eBay And Ivory A Pair That Shouldn’t Be?

Internet auction site eBay has been accused of not enforcing laws that protect endangered wildlife.   In a new report, the InternationalFund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) says that ivory items were being offered for sale without documentation that they were legal. The fund undertook a seven-day survey in February, monitoring eBay sites in several countries, including the United States, China, Australia, France, and Britain. Of 2,275 ivory auction listings, more than 90% violatedeBay’s own wildlife policies, the fund claimed. On the U.S. site, in a random sample of 90 items, only four were in compliance.   Laws regarding ivory sales are complicated. According tothe IFAW, however, it’s generally only legal to sell antique carved or uncarved ivory that’s accompanied by a certificate proving its age. In the U.S. antique ivory means at least acentury old. Sales of new ivory have been heavily restricted.   The IFAW wants a global ban on ivory sales, which will stop the illegal trade and stop the slaughter of elephants for their tusks.  According to eBay, the company insists that sellers supply documentation to show they’re in compliance with existing laws.   In a written statement, eBay said.   “We havehad a number of positive and fruitful discussions with the IFAW about how we can work together to ensure that our policies are effectively enforced, and we are committed to working with them totackle the problem of illegal ivory sales,”