Proposed ban on ivory sales in Vermont raises questions about old pianos, other antiques

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Supporters of a proposed ban on the sale of ivory and rhinoceros horns in Vermont are upset by a move to insert exemptions into the legislation for old pianos and other antiques.

Vermont activist Ashley McAvey told a state legislative committee Thursday that permitting any sales of the materials will encourage the international market that is funding terrorist groups and contributing to the likely extinction of African elephants. Both elephants and rhinos are poached for their ivory.

The committee also heard from Cameron Wood of the Legislative Council, who walked lawmakers through changes to the bill that would allow exemptions for ivory legally purchased before the 1970s.

But committee Chairman David Deen says many are questioning the link between their grandmother's piano and terrorism.