SINGAPORE – A 42-year-old man has been jailed for 23 days over the possession and keeping of illegal wildlife, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said on Thursday (Nov 2).

As Lau Kin Wei Clement was unable to pay a fine of S$4,700 that was imposed, he was sentenced to 23 days in jail by default.

Lau was found to have kept seven illegal species, including two wagler’s pit vipers, a paradise tree snake, a painted bronzeback snake, a common snapping turtle, an alligator snapping turtle and a giant black scorpion.

The AVA said that it had investigated a feedback on November 16, 2016 regarding alleged keeping of illegal wildlife by Lau. The authorities conducted a raid at his residence, where they uncovered and confiscated the wildlife.

The animals are currently under the care of Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

In a media release, the AVA said that the keeping of wild animals such as scorpions, snakes and turtles are not allowed in Singapore, and that the demand for such animals would also fuel illegal wildlife trade, which severely impacts the wild populations of numerous species.

“Wild animals are not suitable pets as some may transmit zoonotic diseases to humans and can be a public safety risk if mishandled, or if they escape into our dense urban environment,” said the AVA.

“In this case, the species seized can inflict painful bites and some are venomous.”

The wagler’s pit viper for instance, while generally not considered to be aggressive, contains venom that could potentially be deadly to humans. Victims of the snake’s bite may also experience a strong burning sensation upon envenomation as well necrosis – or death – of tissues surrounding the bite.

In addition, the AVA noted that wild animals that are non-native to Singapore may be a threat to the country’s biodiversity

The AVA also said that it is an offence to possess any illegal wildlife species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna or Flora (CITES).

The alligator snapping turtle is an example of a CITES-protected species and Lau could have been fined up to S$500,000 and/or jailed for two years. The animal would also be forfeited.

In addition, he could have been liable to a fine not exceeding S$1,000 and to the forfeiture of the wild animal not protected by CITES, including the pair of wagler’s pit vipers and the common snapping turtle.

A said that while it continues to ensure that regulatory measures against illegal import and export, possession of live animals and wildlife are in place and enforced, members of the public could do their part if they have information on such illicit activities.

Those with information can contact the AVA at 6805 2992 or via AVA’s online feedback form.