Congressional Wildlife Priorities Must Remain at the End of 2010

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jeffrey Flocken, D.C. Office Director, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), issued the following statement on the recent Congressional actions to protect wildlife:

"Congress has made great strides in the past several days toward protecting sharks; however, it's important that they recognize their work in conserving wildlife is far from done. The passage of a bill to end the cruel practice of shark finning was a significant step, but many more species are in need of help and this Congress should not let partisan political maneuverings stand in the way of protecting wildlife, especially with species teetering on the brink of extinction.

"Eighty percent of all wild cat species are experiencing population declines, as are 25 percent of wild canids -- foxes, wolves and wild dogs. Congress has legislation before them to protect these great species, who suffer growing threats from humans including habitat conversion, loss of food sources, and illegal trade. Failure to enact the legislation -- which has already passed the House and been reported out of the relevant Senate committee with bipartisan support -- will further jeopardize these already threatened species. Congress must act to provide resources that will create conservation programs, educational resources and increase monitoring and law enforcement activities to prevent poaching and illegal trafficking.  Without these measures, we show nothing but a reckless disregard to the specter of losing these incredible species forever."  

About the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

Founded in 1969, IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, please visit www.ifaw.org, www.facebook.com/IFAWHQ, www.twitter.com/action4ifaw or www.youtube.com/ifaw.

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare

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