Government concerned about people smuggling animals into HK
Updated at 5.47pm: The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on Tuesday reminded people to observe requirements for bringing animals into Hong Kong.
This follows the recent case of a man fined $10,000 for smuggling 25 puppies from the mainland, a spokesman said.
The man was found guilty in Fanling Magistracy last Tuesday for contravening the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance. He had been attempting to smuggle the puppies into Hong Kong on June 26.
The animals were found inside the boot of the man?s vehicle by police when he was stopped at the Shek Chung Au roadblock. The vehicle was travelling from Sha Tau Kok towards Fanling.
Police referred the case to the AFCD for further investigation and prosecution, resulting in the conviction of the man and the seizure of the dogs.
A special permit must be obtained in advance from the AFCD before animals or birds can be brought into Hong Kong.
The court found that the manner in which the puppies were transported in the vehicle?s boot without proper ventilation could cause unnecessary suffering. This was in breach of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, the court said.
