China's southernmost Hainan Province has launched a three-year campaign to crack down on wildlife crimes as part of the efforts to fight the novel coronavirus, local authorities said Wednesday.
The operation will target illegal hunting and killing of wild animals, illicit sales, purchase and consumption of wildlife products, the provincial department of public security said, adding that the crackdown will be enforced "severely and swiftly in accordance with laws."
Police also posted cash rewards to encourage the public to report such crimes and urged offenders to turn themselves in for leniency.
On Monday, the National People's Congress Standing Committee, the country's top legislature, adopted a decision to thoroughly ban illegal wildlife trade and eliminate the bad habits of eating wild animals. Enditem
