Hong Kong customs arrests 2 for allegedly smuggling pedigree pets worth HK$210,000 from mainland China
- Two smuggling attempts of six kittens and puppy discovered in city’s restricted border area of Sha Tau Kok on March 24 and 26
- ‘An initial examination by a government vet indicated all the animals are in good health,’ senior inspector says
Hong Kong customs officers have arrested two people on suspicion of smuggling seven pedigree pets worth HK$210,000 (US$27,000) into the city from mainland China.
Senior Inspector Hong Yan of customs’ syndicate crimes investigation bureau said on Friday two animal-smuggling attempts were discovered in the city’s restricted border area of Sha Tau Kok on March 24 and 26.
Hong said officers seized six kittens and one puppy hidden in travel bags allegedly carried by the two suspects – a 60-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman.
He said the suspects were intercepted after they cycled across into the Hong Kong side of Chung Ying Street, which straddled the city and the mainland in Sha Tau Kok.
According to the Customs and Excise Department, the puppy was a bichon frise, while the kittens comprised a Maine coon, two British shorthairs and three ragdolls.
“The kittens and the puppy are aged between two and 2½ months. An initial examination by a government vet indicated all the animals are in good health,” Hong said.