WWF UK were pleased to hear that a British man has been jailed for 12 months after attempting to smuggle white rhino horn through Manchester Airport. Donald Allison, 52, from Preston, has pleaded guilty to the charges against him of trying to smuggle the horn in the false base of a sculpture whilst en route to China.
Species Policy Officer, Heather Sohl, said –
We are extremely pleased that this case has resulted in a custodial sentence – all too often, wildlife crime is seen as a victimless offence, but it can have a serious impact on some of the world’s most charismatic and rarest animals. Although the rhino involved in this case died of natural causes, allowing the horn to reach the Asian traditional medicine market could fuel the illegal trade in rhino horn and encourage poaching of wild animals. Rhino poaching is a very serious problem which has escalated over recent years – in South Africa alone, more than 210 rhino have been poached so far this year. Last year there were 106 successful convictions for wildlife-related crimes in the UK, double the number in the previous year. It’s clear that the illegal wildlife trade is still a major problem here, and there are proven links between wildlife crime and organised criminal groups, with the profits often funding other serious offences.
After the court hearing held on 6th August 2010, forensic analysis by the UK Border Agency and UK National Wildlife Crime Unit traced the two horns back to a rhino that had died of natural causes at Colchester Zoo in 2009. The use of Rhino horn is highly illegal but is still sought after in the traditional Asian medicine market, where some people have the unfounded belief that it has medicinal properties and can help cure cancer.
WWF fear that the new government may try to axe the National Wildlife Crime Unit when it has it next spending review. This unit has helped the UK gain international recognition for its commitment to tackling wildlife crime, and are the main reason why people such as Allison are now behind bars. As long as there is demand, people will continue to attempt to smuggle highly illegal animal parts, and they must be stopped. Hopefully the British government will understand this and allow the Wildlife Crimes Unit to continue their excellent job without hindrance.
Adopt a Rhino with WWF UK
WWF is a non profit organisation who can only sustain their tireless work in saving the planet and its inhabitants through donations. You can help raise funds through the WWF Adopt a Rhino scheme.
From as little as £3 a month you receive a certificate, a print of your tiger, a greetings card, and a soft tiger toy that would make a fantastic charity gift for a loved one.
