46-year-old Abdul Rahman Bin Husain was sentenced to six weeks’ jail by the court today for the illegal import of two birds. He was also sentenced to six weeks’ jail for another charge of failure to ensure that the birds were not subjected to unnecessary suffering. Both sentences will run concurrently.

2.         On 12 May 2018, Rahman was stopped by officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority for checks at Woodlands checkpoint. The officers detected two live Zebra Doves cramped in separate socks and placed in two drawstring pouches hidden in his pants.

3.         Rahman did not have an import licence issued by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) for the import of the birds. AVA also found that the manner of transportation had caused unnecessary suffering to the birds, which were found in poor condition. The birds were seized and placed under the care of Wildlife Reserves Singapore.



AVA seized the smuggled Zebra Doves. (Photo: AVA)


Public advisory

4.         Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore’s security. ICA will continue to conduct security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands. AVA will continue to cooperate and collaborate with partner enforcement agencies to curb against wildlife smuggling. Animals that are smuggled into Singapore are of unknown health status and may introduce exotic diseases, such as bird flu, into the country. Smuggling animals and birds into Singapore is an offence. Any person, on conviction, is liable to a fine of up to S$10,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or to both.

5.         AVA would like to remind travellers against the illegal import of live animals, birds and insects into Singapore to safeguard public and animal health. The public can refer to AVA’s website or download AVA’s mobile app, SG TravelKaki (available free-of-charge from iTunes and the Google Play store), for more information on bringing back animals from overseas travels.


AGRI-FOOD & VETERINARY AUTHORITY
IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
19 SEPTEMBER 2018