Mainland man held at Lok Ma Chau with kittens
RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said a 54-year-old mainland male traveller was arrested after officers found two suspected illegally imported live cats in his personal luggage at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. The two cats were estimated to have a total market value of about HK$20,000, and the case has been handed to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further investigation.
Key Points
- Customs officers intercepted the traveller in the arrival hall at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point during inbound clearance on August 11.
- After examining his personal luggage, officers found two live cats suspected of being brought into Hong Kong illegally.
- The arrested traveller was identified by authorities only as a 54-year-old man arriving in Hong Kong from the mainland.
- Customs estimated the two suspected illegally imported cats had a combined market value of around HK$20,000.
- Under the Rabies Regulation, importing animals without a valid permit is illegal and can carry a maximum HK$50,000 fine and one year in jail
Why It Matters
The case is now with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, which is expected to follow up on the suspected illegal animal import. For Hong Kong travellers, the enforcement action is also a reminder that bringing animals into the city without a valid permit can lead to arrest, prosecution and penalties under the law