NY Assembly Response

Last week we asked you to send THIS LETTER to the NY Assembly (meeting Jan 16 to discuss the ivory trade). Your letters and comments make a difference. I hope this response we received back from our letter will encourage you as you continue to send emails, facebook messages, attend public hearings and the like as ele-advocates. What you do DOES make a difference. Thank you.

Thank you for your e-mail dated January 15, 2014, concerning the sale of ivory in New York State. As an elected official I have received a large number of letters and e-mails regarding this matter. I agree that immediate action is needed in order to rectify the situation.

The public hearing on January 19, in Manhattan, will be an opportunity for the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation to hear the concerns voiced by the public. It is only through open discussion that we can accomplish real change. As recently as this past September, the Wildlife Conservation Society started its 96 Elephants campaign, for the purpose of making and changing laws, bolstering species protection, and furthering public education about the link between ivory consumption and the elephant poaching crisis. If you have not already, I encourage you to visit www.wcs.org to find more information about what can be done.

As a supporter of animal rights, I believe wholeheartedly that every animal should be provided with an equal opportunity to survive and thrive. Despite the continued efforts of activists and legislators, the ivory trade continues to be a prevailing threat to the survival of many species, not just elephants. While there is much being done to protect these precious creatures, a lot more work is necessary to truly undo the damage.

Again, thank you for expressing your concerns about the harm of elephants through the sale of ivory and providing insight into ways in which we can solve this problem. The only way to ban the sale of ivory permanently is to gain widespread support. If I can be of any further assistance, please contact my district office at 718 442 9932.

Sincerely,

Matthew J. Titone

Member of Assembly

853 Forest Avenue

Staten Island, NY 10310

(718) 442 9932 office