Dear Sirs:
It has come to our attention that products from threatened and endangered animals are being auctioned at Yahoo.com. This is unacceptable and we demand that you take all reasonable efforts to stop it immediately. For example, this seller lists items from "black bear, wolf and lynx":
http://csearch.auctions.yahoo.com/cuser?userID=touristtrap_canada&acc=us
Each of these animals is listed as threatened or endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Department:
http://ecos.fws.gov/webpage/webpage_vip_listed.html?&code=V&listings=0#A
In fact, the auction seller acknowledges that the items are protected species. He writes: "Hides, skulls, or necklaces made from black bear, wolf, otter and lynx require a Cities permit that's provided at no additional charge. Please consult your local authorities in purchasing or possessing creatures from animals that are on CITIES lists. regards Doug". We assume he is referring to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
Another ongoing auction is for a "wolf tooth":
http://page.auctions.yahoo.com/auction/50378722
Do we know that this is truly a wolf tooth from an endangered population? No, but if there is any question you have a moral (if not legal) obligation to stop this and similar auctions. Until there is a way to verify that a product is not from an endangered species, you should immediately delist all such products.
These items have been posted and sold despite Yahoo's own policy that states these items are not allowed: "Any animal items that are subject to regulations or laws for the protection of animals, including endangered species and domesticated animals, as well as any products made from or including any parts of an animal protected by law or regulation. Please note: Pets are only allowed to be offered for sale on Yahoo! Classifieds".
One can only conclude that your written policy is meaningless because it is not being effectively enforced. By your inaction you are tacitly condoning the sale of threatened and endangered species. For the future of our wildlife, not to mention Yahoo's reputation, we demand that you change your system to proactively prevent auctions of threatened or endangered species, and you issue a press release stating that you have listened to your customers and have implemented a new system that will prevent 100% of such auctions.
Yahoo, we are very disappointed.
The undersigned.
