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An illegal shipment of about 1,100 snakes from Thailand was seized at the Hong Kong International Airport over the Easter holiday, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (April 11).
The snakes were packed inside nylon bags in 60 boxes, which arrived on April 8 together with 71 other boxes of fish as an air-borne consignment for customs clearance.
With the assistance of the Customs and Excise Department, the snakes in boxes were scanned through X-ray.
The spokesman said the snakes, believed to be the endangered Common Rat Snake species, were confiscated and sent to the department's Animal Management Centre in Sheung Shui.
An investigation is being conducted under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap 586 and the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance, Cap 139.
Under existing legislation, imported reptiles, birds and mammals must be accompanied with a special import permit and health certification.
As for imported dogs and cats, they must be accompanied with certificates and those from places including Mainland China are required to be quarantined at the department's animal quarantine centres for four months upon arrival in Hong Kong.
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 Public Health (Animals and Birds) regulations, offences regarding import of animals without a valid permit are liable to a fine of $2,000 and the animals will be forfeited.
Last year, the department seized about 3,700 reptiles, 16 dogs, 4 cats and 8 other mammals found illegally imported into Hong Kong.
To enquire import of animals and report smuggling cases, the public can call 1823.
Ends/Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:37
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