A 56-year-old local woman was arrested on September 5 after customs officers found three live cats in her shoulder bag at the Sha Tau Kok Chung Ying Street Checkpoint, according to reports. The case concerns suspected illegal importation; the supplied information does not establish that an offence has been proven.
The cats were estimated to have a combined market value of about HK$24,000. The case was referred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
Reports also cited a legal reminder that bringing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is unlawful. A person convicted of illegally importing animals, animal carcasses or animal products can face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and one year in prison.
The available information does not say whether the woman held an animal import permit or whether formal charges have been filed. It also does not provide details about the cats’ health or their current arrangements. The AFCD investigation remains the next expected step.