Carouseller found with civet cat, exotic tortoise in her home gets $3,600 fine

A 22-year-old woman was fined $3,600 by the court for the possession of a civet cat and a red-footed tortoise.

Both of these animals are protected under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 

On Mar 20, 2017, the Agri-Food and Veterinary (AVA) received a feedback from the Animals Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) on an alleged sale of illegal wildlife via Carousell, an online marketplace for buying and selling new and secondhand goods.

AVA investigated the feedback and carried out a sting operation with the assistance of ACRES, resulting in the seizure of one red-footed tortoise and a civet cat.

Further investigations at Lim's home revealed that she was also keeping a hedgehog and a snapping turtle, and this was taken into consideration during sentencing.

All the animals seized were placed under the care of Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

Members of the public can play their part by alerting AVA via an online feedback form or call 6805 2992 of any suspected cases of illegal wildlife trade, and provide information.

Information shared with AVA will be kept strictly confidential.