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| The turtles were all taped up before being packed into the luggage |
A Filipino held in jail custody for illegal importation of 63 live critically endangered turtles in March has indicated at the District Court that he would be ready for plea, but his case was adjourned to March 18 next year.
The
new court date for Dexter V. Tabora, 37 years old, set by Judge W.K. Kwok, would bring his period of
detention to eight months, having been on remand since July 11, after three
amended charges were read to him at West Kowloon Magistracy.
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| I-CLICK DITO |
Tabora was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on March 31, after the endangered turtles valued at $819,000, were allegedly found in his possession, according to the Customs and Excise Department, which filed the complaint against him.
Tabora arrived in Hong Kong from Malaysia and was in transit
to the Philippines when he was arrested.
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
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.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
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. The
turtles were all taped up before being packed into the luggage “in a way which
might cause them needless or avoidable suffering,” the complaint said.
This offence is punishable with up to $200,000 in fines and three years in prison.
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