Paul Allen boosts anti-animal trafficking initiative onto the November ballot

Washington voters will have an opportunity to slap on tough penalties for trafficking in parts and products of species threatened with extinction, thanks to an initiative campaign underwritten by Seattle Seahawks owner  and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The campaign for Initiative 1401 is turning in 348,627 signatures, far more than the 246,372 needed, to qualify the measure for the November ballot. Allen launched the campaign when the Legislature refused to act:  The measure is focused on a list of 10 endangered animals: Elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, marine turtles, sharks, manta rays and pangolins. The filing of I-1401 came amidst heightened international concern that poaching is endangering signature species [...]