Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 9) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of an animal at the Lo Wu Control Point. One suspected illegally imported live dog with an estimated market value of about $3,000 was seized.
Customs officers yesterday intercepted a 57-year-old incoming Mainland woman at the Arrival Hall of the control point. Upon examination, the live dog was seized from her sling bag, and she was subsequently arrested. The case was 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, 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.
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 9) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of an animal at the Lo Wu Control Point. One suspected illegally imported live dog with an estimated market value of about $3,000 was seized. Photo shows the suspected illegally imported live dog seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes illegally imported live birds of suspected scheduled endangered species
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 9) seized two illegally imported live birds of a suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $5,000, at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming 46-year-old local female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said Control Point yesterday. Upon examination, the two live birds were seized from her backpack. Officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) attended the scene for inspection and confirmed that the two live birds were of an endangered species listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance in Hong Kong. The case was handed over to the AFCD for follow-up investigation.
Customs reminds the public not to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, 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 Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations, 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.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities 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).
Hong Kong Customs seizes illegally imported live birds of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
