Don't buy animal products

Examples of animal products are traditional medicine or souvenirs which are commonly sold in local markets or black markets.

You may think that buying one small souvenir won't make much of a difference, but take in mind that an animal is killed just for one or a few of those souvenirs.

Although criminal gangs are what control most of the business, consumers and consumer tastes are what fuel the illegal animal trade and the promotion of animal endangerment along with inhumane treatment and killing of animals.

If you are overseas or on a foreign holiday, keep in mind that it is still important to avoid buying animal products even if they are popularly sold in markets or hotels. If you're unsure of whether a souvenir is an animal product or not, then don't buy the souvenir at all. In some countries there are serious consequences if a person is caught with the possession of an animal product, these include heavy fines or maybe even a jail sentence.

'Interpol estimates the worldwide illegal trade in wildlife products is worth US$6 to 10 billion dollars annually.' (www.ifaw.org)

For more information on illegal animal trade, go to http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=560

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