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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), with the assistance of the Aviation Security Company Limited, has foiled an attempt to import animals, including endangered species, into Hong Kong illegally from Indonesia.
A department spokesman said today (November 13) that a consignment of animals destined for the Mainland was seized at the Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (November 12), including 15 snakes and 22 lizards. They were tightly packed inside nylon stockings and cigarette cartons.
A man was arrested after being found hiding the animals inside his luggage without any permit or health certification. He was 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 Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance (Cap 139). The court today handed down a fine of $2,000 and three months' imprisonment.
The spokesman said that among the seized animals, 13 pythons and 12 monitor lizards were identified as endangered species. All of the seized animals 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. The requirements also apply to animals that are to be transshipped through Hong Kong.
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 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.
The public is reminded to comply with the regulations and assist in protecting endangered species.
Last year, the department seized about 3,700 reptiles, 16 dogs, four cats and seven other mammals illegally imported into Hong Kong.
For more information on the import of animals and to report smuggling cases, the public may call the Citizen's Easy Link 1823.
Ends/Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:24
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