Pet owners would go to great lengths for their beloved domesticated companion. Getting them a new fashion wear, or a brand new playtoy are just some of the little gestures that the pet owners would do to exhibit their tender loving care for their pets. But to flout the law just so that the pets can be with them is certainly way beyond the love manifestation.

2 On 18 February 2009 at about 2200hrs, a Malaysia-registered car driven by a female Malaysian arrived at Woodlands Checkpoint. Accompanied by her Singaporean boyfriend, the vehicle was directed for further inspection. And it was during the search that the ICA officer heard some unusual squawking sound coming from the glove compartment. Sensing something amiss, the officer unlatched the cover and retrieved a red plastic bag containing 3 packages wrapped with newspaper, and interestingly, punctured with holes all over.

Nestling snugly in their hiding cave



Pockmarked newspapers

3 Upon questioning, the 52-year-old male passenger admitted that the packages “nestled” 3 live birds (2 parakeets and 1 Zebra Dove) and he claimed ownership of the birds. He explained that he had wrapped the birds with newspaper and thoughtfully poked holes on it so that the birds would not suffocate. He further claimed that he purchased the 2 parakeets in Singapore and the Zebra Dove in Malaysia. As he is now staying in Singapore, the male Malaysian had brought along the birds on this trip just so he can continue to rear them here. The case was referred to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) for further investigations.

4 The parakeets are protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Singapore is a Party. The Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act empowers the AVA and other enforcement agencies such as ICA to conduct investigations on wildlife smuggling cases. The maximum penalties for smuggling of protected species include a fine of $50,000 per CITES species (but not to exceed in the aggregate of $500,000) and/or a jail term of up to 2 years. Further, the import of live birds (eg. parakeets and zebra doves) without an AVA permit and meeting the health conditions is a violation of the Animals and Birds Act, which carries a maximum penalty of $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year.

5 Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. The enhanced security checks are critical to our nation’s security. We have tightened our security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands. . In view of the potential danger of avian flu, we would like to advise the public against the smuggling of birds, poultry and poultry products into Singapore.


IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
20 February 2009