Woman jailed 5 months for smuggling and mistreating 13 puppies

SINGAPORE - The woman found smuggling 13 puppies through the Woodlands Checkpoint on Sept 9 was today jailed for five months.

A statement released by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) today said that she was sentenced to four months' imprisonment for the offence of smuggling 13 puppies, and was also sentenced to one month's imprisonment for animal cruelty.

The Straits Times reported that Sharon Tan Mei Hua, 33, pleaded guilty to smuggling a total of 13 puppies, including five poodles, three japanese spitzes and two pomeranians.

Tan also admitted to causing the animals unnecessary suffering by confining them in three bags placed under the front seats and in the glove compartment of her car.

The woman, a former dog breeder, bought the puppies from a man at a shopping centre in Johor Bahru for RM18,500 (S$7,150).

He also instructed her on how to smuggle the canines back by sedating them and placing them in black cloth bags.

Tan pleaded for leniency, citing that she has a young child in China and said she will not commit the same offence again.

Any person guilty of smuggling live animals and ill-treating them faces a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and 12 months' imprisonment.

AVA added that the puppies are currently quarantined at AVA’s Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station (SAQS) to be observed for signs of infectious disease, especially rabies which is a fatal viral disease.

AVA and ICA issued a joint statement in Sept informing the public of the dangers of bringing live animals into Singapore without a proper permit, as they may introduce rabies into the country.

minlee@sph.com.sg