NParks and ICA report a drop in animal smuggling cases in 2025, but emphasize the ongoing threats to public health and endangered species, highlighting the importance of enforcement and community involvement.
NParks has announced that illegal animal smuggling is a significant threat to public health and the survival of endangered species . According to a joint statement released on Friday, February 13th, by the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), animal smuggling cases in Singapore saw a 33 percent decrease in 2025, with 28 cases detected, compared to 42 cases in 2024.
The cases, detected in collaboration with partner agencies like ICA, involved a range of animals, including pets and wildlife intended for the pet trade. These included dogs, cats, fish, birds, and various species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).\Among the 28 detected cases last year, eight resulted in court charges while the remaining 20 led to composition fines issued to offenders, including buyers. NParks stressed that the act of animal smuggling not only inflicts harm upon the animals themselves but also poses wider risks to public health and safety. Smuggled animals can carry infectious and contagious diseases, potentially threatening native wildlife, resident pets, and even humans. A notable example involved a man caught in March 2025 attempting to smuggle three puppies through Tuas Checkpoint. The puppies tested positive for highly contagious viruses that can cause severe illness or death. The perpetrator received an 18-week jail sentence. The agency also highlighted that the illegal wildlife trade jeopardizes the survival of endangered species and contributes to habitat destruction. Another case involved a man arrested in October 2025 for attempting to smuggle a white-rumped shama from Malaysia via Woodlands Checkpoint. The bird, concealed in a cylindrical plastic tube sealed with cloth and hidden in a jacket bag, subsequently died due to lack of food and discomfort. The man was sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment. Other incidents highlighted the trafficking of approximately 2,500 red-eared sliders, an albino raccoon, and four yellow-faced mynas, among others. NParks reported that many of the animals were found in poor condition, and several were already deceased.\NParks also showcased successful coordinated raids that led to the seizure of endangered species listed under CITES, such as yellow-headed day geckos, a leopard tortoise, a spiny-tailed monitor, and an Argentine black and white tegu. Jessica Kwok, NParks' group director of enforcement and investigation, emphasized that effectively tackling animal smuggling necessitates both robust enforcement measures and active community involvement. Kwok stated that a multi-pronged approach is crucial in combating animal smuggling. NParks works closely with ICA and other partner agencies to bolster surveillance and enforcement efforts aimed at deterring the illegal trade of pets and wildlife. Furthermore, the community's role is deemed pivotal beyond the scope of law enforcement. Under the Animals and Birds Act, individuals caught importing any animal or bird without a license can face fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment for a maximum of 12 months, or both. Penalties under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act are significantly steeper, ranging from fines of up to $50,000 per specimen and a potential four-year jail term to fines of up to $100,000 per specimen and six years' imprisonment, depending on the specific species involved. The ongoing efforts by NParks and its partner agencies underscore the commitment to combating illegal animal trade and safeguarding both animal welfare and public health
Please follow us on Google to support us Animal Smuggling Nparks ICA Endangered Species Public Health
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2 new measles cases in Singapore; authorities refute online claims of childcare centre infectionThis brings the total number of measles cases in Singapore this year to 13.
Read more »
Singapore Animal Smuggling Cases Continue Downward Trend in 2025Animal smuggling cases in Singapore decreased by 33% in 2025, with 28 cases detected compared to 42 in 2024. The cases involved pets, wildlife for the pet trade, and endangered species, leading to court charges and fines for offenders.
Read more »
Singapore Sees Decrease in Animal Smuggling Cases, but Risks RemainNParks and ICA report a 33% decrease in animal smuggling cases in Singapore in 2025, but emphasize ongoing risks to public health and endangered species. The authorities are strengthening enforcement and seeking community involvement.
Read more »
Singapore Sees Drop in Animal Smuggling Cases, Enforcement Efforts ContinueSingapore witnessed a decrease in animal smuggling cases in 2025, according to a joint statement released by NParks and ICA. Despite the drop, authorities emphasize the ongoing threats posed by illegal wildlife trade and the importance of continued enforcement and community involvement.
Read more »
Animal smuggling cases fall 33% in 2025: ICA, NParksAnimal smuggling cases in Singapore fell 33 per cent in 2025 with 28 cases detected, compared with 42 in 2024, said the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a joint statement on Friday (Feb 13).
Read more »
No Confirmed Measles Cases at Childcare Centres and Pre-schools in SingaporeThe Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) confirms no confirmed measles cases in childcare centres and pre-schools in Singapore as of February 12, 2026. This statement refutes a false social media claim and clarifies that all suspected cases have tested negative. The CDA urges the public to rely on official sources for health information.
Read more »