Press Releases
Illegal animal consignment seized
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 10) that the AFCD, in collaboration with the Customs and Excise Department, had foiled an attempt to import some animals, including two highly endangered Angonoka Tortoises, 21 hedgehogs and 23 sugar gliders, into Hong Kong illegally from Thailand yesterday (February 9).
Acting on intelligence collected by the AFCD and with the assistance of AFCD Quarantine Detector Dogs, Customs officers intercepted a Hong Kong male resident at the arrival hall of the Hong Kong International Airport yesterday. The animals without any permit or health certification were uncovered inside his luggage.
The man will be charged under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap 169), the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586), and the Rabies Ordinance (Cap 421).
The spokesman said that among the seized animals, Angonoka Tortoises were identified as endangered species and will be sent to the department's Animal Management Centre in Sheung Shui.
Under existing legislation, the import of reptiles, birds and mammals must be accompanied by a special import permit and health certification. Moreover, a licence is required if the animals are endangered species.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, the maximum penalty for cruelty to animals is a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years.
Any person contravening the licensing requirements under the Protection of Endangered Species and Animals and Plants Ordinance is liable to a fine of $5 million and two years' imprisonment.
Under the Rabies Ordinance, offences regarding the import of animals without a valid permit are liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for 1 year.
To protect Hong Kong from the introduction of animal diseases and for the protection of endangered species, the public is reminded to comply with the regulations.
Last year, the department seized about 2,838 reptiles, 10 dogs, 4 cats and 4 other mammals illegally imported into Hong Kong. The three AFCD Quarantine Detector Dogs have been in operation since February 2008 at land border crossings to detect prohibited items such as live animals. A total of over 210,000 travellers have been screened with 153 seizures in the last 12 months.
For more information on the import of animals and to report smuggling cases, the public may call the 1823 Call Centre.
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