Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 21) seized one batch of suspected illegally imported animals, including a  rabbit, a hamster, a guinea pig, a sugar glider and two parrots of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $7,800 at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.
           
     Customs officers yesterday intercepted an incoming 21-year-old Mainland female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said control point. Upon examination, the batch of suspected illegally imported animals was seized from her paper bag carried by her and her trousers pocket. She was subsequently arrested. The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

     Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.      
      
     Under the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), 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.

     Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations (Cap. 139A), it is an offence to import any bird unless it is accompanied by a valid health certificate. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $25,000.
           
     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
      
     Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), any person who wantonly or unreasonably does or fails to do any act, thereby causing any animal to suffer unnecessary pain, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities or illegal import of live birds to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Ends/Saturday, August 22, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:28

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