SINGAPORE – 11 fluffy puppies were found hidden in a modified fuel tank of a car by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers.
A Malaysia-registered car driven by a lone 43-year-old Malaysian man was directed for further checks by ICA officers when he arrived at the Woodlands Checkpoint at about 9pm yesterday (March 23).
When the puppies were found, the driver, puppies and car were referred to the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA), said a statement by ICA and AVA today (March 24).
Investigations are ongoing.
The statement said “animals that are smuggled into Singapore are of unknown health status and may introduce exotic diseases, such as rabies, into the country.”
The importation of any animals or live birds without an AVA permit is illegal and carries a maximum penalty of $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.
ICA and AVA would like to remind travellers against bringing live animals, birds and insects into Singapore without a proper permit.
The public can refer to AVA’s website or download AVA’s mobile app, SG TravelKaki, for more information on bringing back animals from overseas travels.
spanaech@sph.com.sg
