Hong Kong authorities arrest woman for illegal possession of crocodile and more than 60 endangered reptiles

A 35-year-old citizen was detained in Hong Kong due to her peculiar fascination with reptiles. The woman kept a crocodile on her porch, and the exotic animal’s presence alerted authorities. Consequently, she was taken into custody, now subjecting herself to a heavy financial penalty and possible incarceration.

Government authorities confirmed that the reptile was located on the balcony of the woman’s residence last Wednesday. Upon discovery, police immediately contacted the Animal Protection Society for assistance. At the scene, the team of experts found the injured crocodile, hidden under several items, and proceeded to capture it using rope and net.

Discovery of a vast number of other reptiles and amphibians in the residence

The crocodile was provisionally sent to the care of the protective institution. On Thursday morning, a few hours later, police and members of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation carried out a detailed search of the property. As released by the government, agents located a total of 63 other reptiles and amphibians inside the apartment. Almost half of these specimens were classified as threatened with extinction, including several species of lizards, turtles and snakes, such as the boa constrictor and the reticulated python.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rescued an injured juvenile crocodile found in a Sham Shui Po residential building on Wednesday.

Full story: https://t.co/8erzJiGBeZ Photos: SPCA. pic.twitter.com/MraWslA4bz

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Authorities in the Chinese special administrative region reported that the woman defended herself, claiming to own the animals and use them for educational purposes. However, the absence of an appropriate license to maintain these specimens led to his arrest on charges of illegal possession of endangered species.

Legal consequences and heavy sanctions for the animal owner

The accused could face the most severe penalties, including a fine of up to ten million Hong Kong dollars, the equivalent of approximately 1.12 million euros, and a prison sentence of up to ten years. Authorities confiscated the crocodile – initially identified as a saltwater crocodile – in addition to almost thirty other animal species that were under threat of extinction.