NEWS
ACRES IN THE NEWS
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The Straits Times
23 December 2004
Exotic wildlife seized from HDB flats
Tip-offs lead to 37 animals
By Lynn Lee
Nearly 40 exotic animals were seized by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) this week after it acted on tip-offs.
The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), a non-profit animal rights group, alerted the AVA that wild animals were being kept illegally in Serangoon Ave 1 flat.
When AVA officials visited it on Monday, they found 11 wild animals, including two pythons, two scorpions and a bearded dragon owned by a 30-year old fruit stall assistant. Acres president Louis Ng said the animals were kept in glass tanks and plastic containers.
"The owner looked like he had put some effort into caring for the animals, but the bottom line is, you just can't keep them as pets" he said.
AVA officials also raided an Ang Mo Kio flat on Tuesday and found 26 animals belonging to a 29-year old chef. They included six star tortoises, one slow loris and two green iguanas, which were in "satisfactory condition", said the AVA.
At least 17 of the seized animals were protected under the Endangered Species Act, while the others fell under the Wild Animals and Birds Act. Keeping endangered species carries a maximum penalty of $5,000 fine, or $10,000 for repeat-offences, and possibly one-year jail term. Keeping wildlife without a licence can result in a fine of $1,000 per animal.
Both cases are being investigated and all the animals have been sent to the Singapore Zoo.
Said Ms Lye Fong Keng, head of AVA's wildlife regulatory branch:
"Wild animals require professional handling... If wildlife, such as venomous snakes or primates escape in Singapore's dense housing environment, there is a high chance that they may cause panic or danger to the public."
This year, the AVA has investigated 21 cases of people keeping endangered species and wildlife without a licence. In the past four years, eight people have gone to jail for trading in endangered species. Those who have information on anyone keeping and selling exotic pets can call the AVA at 6227-0670 or Acres hotline at 97837782.
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