Mainland traveller arrested after two live cats found
AM730 · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it detected a suspected illegal animal import case at Lo Wu Control Point on 23 August, seizing two live cats believed to have been brought into the city without proper authorisation. The animals, found inside a 44-year-old mainland male traveller’s personal luggage, were estimated to be worth about HK$2,000. The man was arrested after customs officers stopped and searched him in the arrivals hall. The case has since been referred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
Key Points
- Customs officers intercepted the traveller in the arrivals hall at Lo Wu Control Point during an inbound inspection on 23 August.
- The suspect was identified as a 44-year-old male traveller arriving in Hong Kong from the mainland.
- A search of his personal luggage uncovered two live cats suspected of being illegally imported into Hong Kong.
- The two seized cats were estimated by authorities to have a total market value of around HK$2,000.
- Customs said importing animals without a valid permit is illegal, and offenders face up to a HK$50,000 fine and one year in jail under the Rabies Regulation.
Why It Matters
Hong Kong maintains strict controls on animal imports because cross-boundary movement of live animals carries public health and quarantine risks, and the authorities have again pointed to the permit requirement in this case. For travellers entering the city, the arrest is a reminder that even small-scale attempts to bring animals across the border can lead to criminal action and referral to specialist enforcement agencies.