ProTECT Act Would Ban Trophy Imports & Domestic Sport Hunting of At-Risk Species

Washington, DC—The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) commends Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Peter King (R-NY) for reintroducing today the Prohibiting Threatened and Endangered Creature Trophies Act (ProTECT Act).

This legislation would prohibit importing a trophy of a species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, as well as killing a listed species for a trophy within the United States. It also would abolish the International Wildlife Conservation Council, a one-sided advisory body favoring sport hunters that was established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

There is no credible scientific evidence that trophy hunting benefits conservation. Indeed, studies have shown that an animal belonging to a charismatic species is worth more alive than dead in tourism revenue. Trophy hunting hurts the structure and viability of already vulnerable wild populations. Furthermore, this bill reflects the values of American citizens; a 2015 HBO Real Sports/Marist Poll showed that 86 percent of Americans oppose big game hunting.

“Wildlife listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act are facing severe threats to their survival, and it is absurd to allow the hunting of these animals for sport,” said Cathy Liss, president of AWI. “There is no good reason to cater to the interests of wealthy hunters when the possible extinction of species hangs in the balance. Thank you to Representatives Jackson Lee, Lieu, and King for introducing the ProTECT Act, which will ensure that species under federal protection aren’t further victimized by someone looking to mount a head on a wall.”