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| The critically endangered turtles were found inside the Filipino's luggage |
A Filipino tourist who allegedly brought into Hong Kong 63 critically endangered turtles, was back in West Kowloon Magistracy on Thursday, to face three amended charges.
Dexter V.
Tabora, 37 years old, was told that his case will be elevated to the District
Court at the next hearing on August 1. He was remanded in jail until then.
Tabora was
arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on March 31, after the endangered
turtles were allegedly found in his possession.
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| TAWAG NA! |
According to a
press release from the Customs and Excise Department, Tabora arrived in Hong
Kong from Malaysia and was in transit to the Philippines when he was arrested
after 63 live turtles were found in his baggage. The endangered species were
estimated to have a market value of about $819,000.
The first charge
against him is for importing 49 live radiated tortoise, which are classified as
Appendix 1 species, in violation of section 5(1) and (3) of Cap 586, otherwise
known as the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.
The species is native
to Madagascar where its meat is highly prized. It is also highly valued in
illegal pet markets abroad.
The second
charge against Tabora is over the alleged discovery of 14 live painted batagur
or terrapin in his baggage, classified as an Appendix II species, which is a
violation of Section 11(1) of Cap. 586.
Both charges
carry a maximum penalty of $10 million in fines and a prison term of up to 10
years.
The third is a
charge of cruelty to animals, contrary to section 3(1) (g) of the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap. 169.
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| The turtles were all taped up before being packed into the luggage |
The particulars of the charge said Tabor brought into Hong Kong the 63 live turtles, “in a way which might cause them needless or avoidable suffering.”
Photos shown in
the Customs press release showed the turtles wrapped up in masking tape and
plastic with only their heads exposed.
This offence is
punishable with up to $200,000 in fines
and three years in prison.
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| Pindutin dito para sa iha pang mga detalye |
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