Lax Laws Little Hindrence to Illegal Trade

Clouded Leopard Project partner, PeunPa, has spent years campaigning in Thailand for tougher wildlife trade laws with stronger enforcement and greater penalties. While greater surveillance of trade in markets and training of wildlife officials has resulted in more arrests, penalties remain so low that wildlife traffickers continue their trade with impunity. The police are now much better trained to go after wildlife criminals, but are frustrated that lax laws mean violators usually avoid punishment. PeunPa hopes that by continuing to focus on changing the attitudes of judges, prosecutors, lawmakers, and the general public, laws will toughen as the impact on the environment is recognized. Visit this link for more on the story.