Initiative seeks state penalties for wildlife trafficking

The measure on November's ballot would ban the purchase, sale and distribution of parts or products made from 10 endangered animals: lions, elephants, rhinos, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, marine turtles, pangolins, sharks and rays.

"In the broadest sense, we are part of a global campaign to protect elephants, rhinos and other endangered animals and we're working at the international, national and state level, because the crisis is so urgent," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States.

There are a handful of exemptions in the Washington state measure, including antiques or musical instruments where an endangered animals makes up less than 15 percent of the item; animal parts or products distributed for educational, scientific or museum purposes; and items that are passed on through a will or estate.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife inspectors charged with making sure the federal law is followed when shipments arrive at the airport, ports or border, encounter everything from mounted heads from big game hunts to dead snakes.

Supporters, citing documents they received under a public records request to U.S. Fish and Wildlife, note that about 50 illegal items, ranging from elephant ivory jewelry to elephant skulls were intercepted in Washington over a four-year period starting in 2010.