The state is preparing to file a lawsuit against California because of a new law that goes into effect January first which will ban the sale of alligator and crocodile skins. The law was actually put on the books decades ago, at a time the alligator population was not doing so hot, but Attorney General Jeff Landry says since then effective conservation efforts have been put in place.
“There are many fallacies and problems with what California is trying to do and so we are going to be taking them to court and hoping to get an injunction against the enforcement of that law,” said Landry.
Landry says he’s not sure if Californians are aware of the booming alligator population or if they just don’t care.
“There are special interests inside of California that are just hellbent on getting their way while turning a blind eye to a very successful conservation program. My understanding is that these are animal rights activists,” said Landry.
Landry says he has given a heads up of the oncoming lawsuit to California’s AG.
“I explained to him that I hope Californians would understand that this is actually one of the types of programs that should be supported around the country and around the world, rather than taking an adverse approach to,” said Landry
Harvesting gator skin and meat is a nearly 60 million dollar industry.
Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet says California is 30-percent of the alligator market in the world and if Louisiana alligators hunters lose that they’ll be in trouble.
