Sanders Urges Boycott of Animal Souvenir Trade

12.59.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 4th Sep 2006

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has today given his backing to the International Fund for Animal Welfare's 'Think Twice' campaign, aimed at saving endangered species from the flourishing tourist trade in wildlife souvenirs.

A YouGov survey carried out for the IFAW has revealed that as many as 600,000 people have returned to the UK from holidays abroad with wildlife souvenirs. These trinkets are made from elephant ivory, rhino horn, animal teeth and claws, big cat skins, corals and much more. Every year, customs seize thousands of illegal wildlife items produced from species protected by international law.

The IFAW warn that the wildlife souvenir trade in destinations such as the Mediterranean, Asia, South America and the Caribbean is having a devastating impact on the effort to ensure the conservation of endangered species.

The Bay MP has long been a champion of animal welfare issues in parliament, and expressed his concern at the growing trade.

Adrian commented:

"I am delighted to support the IFAW's campaign by pledging not to buy animal souvenirs on my holidays. I urge others to do the same.

"This trade is seriously harming efforts to ensure the conservation of endangered species. Holidaymakers can do their bit to help make sure that wild animals remain where they belong - in the wild and not in our homes".

The 'Think Twice' campaign is also being supported by the influential Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), who are urging British tourists to boycott the animal souvenir trade.