Hong Kong Customs has mounted an operation against the smuggling of animals, codenamed "Pet Guardian", with the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shenzhen Customs since November 2023. The fifth phase of the operation commenced in mid-September this year, and Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected cases of illegally importing animals. Six suspected illegally imported animals with an estimated market value of about $20,000 were seized.
      
     On September 15, Hong Kong Customs at Sha Tau Kok spotted a woman pushing a bike and entering Hong Kong through the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint from the Mainland side of Chung Ying Street. Customs officers then took action and found a cat inside a pet cage placed at the front basket of the bike and a dog inside the woman's bag. The 56-year-old woman was subsequently arrested.
      
     In the second case, Hong Kong Customs officers at Sha Tau Kok, acting on intelligence analysis, intercepted a 61-year-old woman pushing a bike to enter Hong Kong from Chung Ying Street on the Mainland side on September 17. Four suspected illegally imported cats were found in a nylon bag placed at the rear basket of the bike, and she was immediately arrested.
      
     Investigations into the two cases are ongoing, and the six animals have been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
      
     As a government department specifically responsible for tackling smuggling, Customs will continue to enhance co-operation and intelligence exchanges with other law enforcement agencies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
      
     Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.
      
     Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction.

Ends/Monday, September 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:05

NNNN