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A spokesman for Customs and Excise Department today (July 11) reminded people not to bring illicit live animals into Hong Kong, or they might face prosecution.
About 1.45pm, Customs officers of Lo Wu Control Point intercepted a passenger who had arrived from Shenzhen, and seized a live cat worth about $3,000. The cat was concealed in a carton box.
A 41-year-old local man was arrested.
The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
Under the Rabies Regulation of the Rabies Ordinance, it is an offence to import into Hong Kong any live animal, unless it is accompanied by a valid permit. The maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and an imprisonment for one year.
Ends/Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:21
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