Hong Kong customs arrests suspected smugglers of pricey pets, seizes pedigree kittens and puppies

Hong Kong customs officials have apprehended individuals suspected of smuggling high-value pets into the city. The seized animals, pedigree kittens and puppies, have a combined worth of HK$220,000 (US$28,156). The smugglers, originating from mainland China, were intercepted in the city's restricted border area of Sha Tau Kok. The kittens were of munchkin, chinchilla, Persian, and British shorthair breeds, while the puppies were a border collie and a miniature pinscher.

These breeds are considered expensive, with each animal potentially fetching between HK$30,000 and HK$60,000 locally. The suspects, a 61-year-old mainland woman and a 47-year-old Hong Kong man, were detained on suspicion of importing animals without a permit. They were apprehended after customs officers, acting on intelligence suggesting cross-border animal smuggling, set a trap on the Hong Kong side of Chung Ying Street. The woman was spotted crossing the street from the mainland side and handing a nylon bag to the man. The customs team raided a flat in the block, suspecting the bag contained animals.

Inside the flat, the puppies and kittens were discovered in a mesh laundry bag and crates. The animals appeared to be in good health and were placed under the care of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Preliminary investigations suggest the animals were intended for online buyers in Hong Kong. The mainland woman is believed to have smuggled the pets across the border, while the man was responsible for storing them before delivery to buyers. An animal smuggling syndicate is suspected to be behind the illegal delivery of the pets, and further arrests may be made as the investigation continues. Importation of animals without a permit is punishable by up to a year in jail and a HK$50,000 fine.