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Man sentenced for importing endangered black pond turtles (with photos)
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     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that a 26-year-old man was sentenced at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts today (October 3) to three months' imprisonment for illegal import of endangered species and three months' imprisonment for cruelty to animals. The sentences are to run concurrently.

     Customs officers intercepted the man who came from Thailand at the arrival hall of the Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of 338 freshwater turtles from his luggage on October 1 (Tuesday). Of them, 335 were black pond turtles. The case was then referred to the AFCD for follow-up action and the offender was prosecuted immediately.

     The black pond turtle is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It has a restricted range of distribution in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan.

     Of the black pond turtles seized, about 330 are still alive. They are being kept temporarily at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), where they are under close observation and veterinary care. The AFCD in collaboration with the KFBG will later explore suitable placement options for the endangered turtles for conservation purposes in accordance with international guidelines.

     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586), any person found guilty of importing, exporting, re-exporting or possessing any endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million, imprisonment for two years and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens.

     Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap 169), any person who brings into Hong Kong any animal in any way which may cause it needless or avoidable suffering is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years.

     Members of the public are reminded to comply with the regulations and assist in preventing the extinction of endangered species.

     In addition, the public should be aware that animals should not be brought into Hong Kong, whether for import or transshipment/transit, unless a special permit to do so is obtained in advance from the AFCD. To import a CITES-listed species, the importer must also comply with the relevant licensing requirements.

     To enquire about the import of endangered species and report illegal import cases, the public can call 1823 and AFCD, or visit the website www.cites.hk.

Ends/Thursday, October 3, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:00

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