Filipino tourist jailed 30 months for 63 live turtles in luggage

 

The critically endangered turtles were found inside the Filipino's luggage

A Filipino tourist who brought 63 taped-up live turtles in his luggage when he arrived at the airport on March 31 last year, has been jailed by the District Court for 30 months for violation of two animal protection laws.

Dexter V. Tabora, 37 years old, had pleaded guilty last March 18 to two violations of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance and one violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Deputy District Judge Terence Wai handed down last Friday (March 28) a sentence of 24 months for the first charge, 16 months for the second charge, and six months for the third charge. 

But since Judge Wai made the first and second sentences run at the same time, to be followed by the third sentence, the prison term added up to 30 months.

Basahin ang detalye!

Tabora was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on March 31 last year, 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.

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 the same law.

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 offense is punishable with up to $200,000 in fines and three years in prison.

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