Woman Arrested After Three Cats Found in Bag
On.cc · 6 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it uncovered a suspected illegal animal import case at the Sha Tau Kok Chung Ying Street checkpoint on Friday, 5 September, and arrested a 56-year-old local woman after officers found three suspected illegally imported live cats in her shoulder bag. The three cats were estimated to have a market value of about HK$24,000. The case has been referred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation. Customs also reminded the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence under the Rabies Regulation.
Key Points
- Customs officers intercepted the woman at the Sha Tau Kok Chung Ying Street checkpoint on 5 September, according to reports published on Sunday.
- The arrested suspect was identified only as a 56-year-old local woman stopped during a customs inspection at the checkpoint.
- Officers found three live cats inside her shoulder bag, and the animals were described as suspected illegally imported cats.
- Customs estimated the three cats had a total market value of around HK$24,000 when they were seized.
- The case was transferred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, while Customs cited a maximum penalty of a HK$50,000 fine and one year in jail.
Why It Matters
The case has moved from border interception to regulatory follow-up by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, which handles animal import controls in Hong Kong. Customs used the arrest to warn that bringing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit can lead to prosecution under the Rabies Regulation.