ICA uncovers a haul of smuggled in live birds at Woodlands Checkpoint

Rekha, Channel NewsAsia 14 Aug 09;

SINGAPORE: A 66-year-old passenger tried to smuggle seven live Merbok birds also known as the "songbirds" into Singapore via the Woodlands Checkpoint.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said on August 12, a Malaysia-registered tour bus arriving at the Woodlands Checkpoint was directed for routine inspection.

A passenger who tried to smuggle the birds in two cloth bags claimed they were given to him as a gift by a friend when the bus stopped over at a town in Johor, Malaysia.

The case has since been referred to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) for further investigations.

The importation of live birds without an AVA permit is a violation of the Animals and Birds Act, which carries a maximum penalty of S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year. - CNA/vm

Seven birds found on tour bus at checkpoint
Victoria Vaughan, Straits Times 15 Aug 09;

SEVEN Zebra Doves, also known as Merbok birds, were discovered in a Malaysia-registered tour bus that arrived at the Woodlands Checkpoint at 1am on Wednesday.

During a routine inspection, an Immigration and Checkpoint Authority officer found two colourful cloth bags hanging on the seat lever near the back of the bus, seemingly abandoned.

Nestled inside were the birds, known for their singing ability.

The driver helped to identify the 66-year-old Malaysian owner of the bags.

The man, who is also a Singapore permanent resident, claimed that the birds were given to him by a friend when the bus stopped at a town in Johor.

Zebra Doves, which are common in South-east Asia, are about 20cm to 23cm in length with a wingspan of 24cm to 26cm.

They are not considered an endangered species and are popular as pets due to their 'cooing' call.

The case has been referred to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) for further investigations.

The importation of live birds without an AVA permit is a violation of the Animals and Birds Act which carries a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

Last year, there were 17 wildlife-related enforcement cases, down from 46 cases the year before. The numbers have been on the decline since 2004's high of 97 cases.