When enforcement officers raided a woman’s home, they found a mini zoo of exotic creepy crawlies including an endangered species.
The menagerie included 14 exotic lizards, a snake, an ornate horned frog and an endangered ‘veiled’ chameleon.
Yesterday (May 31), Tai Qi Hui, 32, paid hefty fines amounting to $6,900 for having those wild animals in her possession.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said in a statement that it has been monitoring her activities after being alerted to her alleged online sales of illegal wildlife.
The AVA said the animals are now in the care of the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS).
Reminding the public about the prohibition on keeping wild animals, the authority said they do not make suitable pets as some may transmit zoonotic diseases to humans. They can pose a danger if mishandled or if they escape.
Animals non-native to Singapore may also pose a threat to the bio-diversity if released into the environment.
“Demand for such animals would fuel illegal wildlife trade, which severely impacts the wild populations of numerous species,” it said.
Members of the public who are aware of such illicit activities are urged to inform AVA by calling 6805 2992 or using its online feedback form.
chenj@sph.com.sg
