SINGAPORE: Two Singaporean men have been sentenced to jail for smuggling two spotted doves and three sugar gliders into Singapore and subjecting the animals to undue suffering, said the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) here the other day.
Toh Ng Siow, 44, will start serving his three-month jail term on Wednesday, while his son, Toh Han Rong, 20, will begin his two-month jail term on Dec 14. The younger Toh is currently out on bail and his has been impounded.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) notified AVA of the illegal import of animals after inspecting a Singapore-registered car at Tuas Checkpoint on Aug 25.
AVA’s investigations revealed that the animals were sourced from Johor, Malaysia.
The spotted doves were kept in compressed bird cages in the gap between the car’s rear bumper and car boot. Meanwhile, the sugar gliders were hidden in a small black pouch, and placed behind the glove compartment.
In addition, the men did not provide the animals any food or water.
AVA said that the smuggled animals were later seized and sent to the Singapore Zoo and the Jurong Bird Park.
The authority also warned against importing or keeping wild animals as pets because they may transmit exotic animals diseases to humans and other animals.
Anyone found guilty of smuggling live animals will face a fine of up to $10,000 or a jail term of up to 12 months or both.
For more information on bringing back animals from overseas travels, visit AVA’s website or download AVA’s mobile app, SG TravelKaki.
