Singaporean Woman Collared Over Attempt To Smuggle 13 Puppies Into Republic

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- A Singaporean woman found herself collared at the Woodlands Checkpoint while attempting to smuggle 13 puppies into the republic. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) nabbed the lone woman when a Singapore-registered car which she was driving on Sept 9 was stopped for routine checks upon arrival at the checkpoint. Upon inspecting the vehicle, ICA officers found three bags containing 'furry items' under the driver's seat, front passenger seat, as well as the glove compartment. The 'furry items' turned out to be live puppies. The case is currenly under investigation. In a joint statement Thursday, ICA and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) reminded travellers against bringing live animals, birds and insects into Singapore without proper permit. The authorities reasoned that animals smuggled into Singapore were of unknown health status and might introduce zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, into the country. In view of the potential danger of introducing infectious animal diseases into Singapore, the authorities advised the public against the smuggling of animals, animal products, meat and meat products into Singapore. Singapore has been free from rabies since 1953. World Rabies Day falls on Sept 28. However, as it is endemic in the region, it is critical to maintain vigilance against rabies which is a fatal viral disease which can be transmitted to man by the bite of a rabid animal. The World Organisation for Animal Health reports more than 60,000 deaths from rabies annually due to exposure to infected animals. --BERNAMA