Latest news with #animal smuggling
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Authorities make startling discovery after passenger suffers animal bite mid-flight: 'It's crucial to identify, stop, and prevent such actions'
Authorities make startling discovery after passenger suffers animal bite mid-flight: 'It's crucial to identify, stop, and prevent such actions' A recent international flight caused some drama when an unexpected stowaway climbed out of a passenger's bag and bit someone midair. The smuggling situation occurred on an El Al flight from the U.S. to Israel and sparked concerns among public health and conservation officials (not to mention the passenger who was bitten). What's happening? As reported by The Jerusalem Post, a red-eared slider turtle — a freshwater reptile native to North America and considered invasive in many parts of the world — was smuggled onto the aircraft in a passenger's bag. It escaped into the cabin during the flight and was captured by crew members, who secured it in a crate until the plane landed safely in Israel. Then, it was turned over to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry for evaluation and care. The red-eared slider has already established itself as an invasive species in Israel. "Attempting to smuggle such an animal aboard a plane is abuse," said Uri Liniel, head of the captive wildlife department at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Why is animal smuggling concerning? This isn't just about skirting customs rules. "Allowing animals to be brought into the country unchecked can bring diseases that not only endanger local animals but also pose a public health risk," said Shlomo Grazi, head veterinarian at the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. Invasive species can outcompete native wildlife for resources, disrupt food webs, and contribute to biodiversity loss — all of which can indirectly impact our food supply, water quality, and local economies. Unfortunately, it happens more often than anyone would like. One passenger was caught trying to smuggle endangered black-handed gibbons. In another case, red-eared sliders were found hidden in cereal boxes on a flight headed for India. What's being done about wildlife smuggling? The passenger in this case is under investigation, and they may be prosecuted for illegally importing an animal. Officials emphasized that strict enforcement is important. "It's crucial to identify, stop, and prevent such actions at the very first stage. The rule is clear: don't bring animals into Israel without a permit," said Grazi. Preventing these incidents starts with awareness and responsible action. Never attempt to transport animals without proper documentation and approval. On a broader scale, support for stronger wildlife trade laws and international enforcement measures can help combat the global wildlife trafficking crisis. We can also support organizations dedicated to fighting wildlife trafficking, such as the World Wildlife Fund and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Independent Singapore
23-07-2025
- Independent Singapore
Man caught smuggling over 2,500 red-eared slider turtles from SG to Bengaluru
SINGAPORE: A man was apprehended at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru with 2,547 red-eared slider turtles from Singapore in his possession on July 12. Unfortunately, 517 of the animals were already dead when they were found in his check-in baggage. The man was identified in an article in The Hindu as 26-year-old Adiakkalasamy Vadivel from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. He is said to be involved in global animal smuggling operations. Vadivel was caught by customs department officials at the airport as soon as his plane landed in Bengaluru. When questioned, he claimed that he had been instructed to hand over the bag to someone else outside the airport. The Hindu reported the Indian authorities were looking into how Vadivel got the animals past customs officers in Singapore. Importing live animals into India is against the country's Export-Import (EXIM) Policy and punishable under India's Customs Act. According to The Hindu, the Indian authorities said the dead animals would be disposed of according to standard procedures and the rest of the animals were being sent back to Singapore. See also Actor Rui En punished for careless driving Later reports said, however, that when the turtles were sent back to Singapore, the National Park Board's (NParks) Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation found them to be infected with salmonella. The remaining turtles were then put down. In a July 22 (Wednesday) report, Mothership quoted NParks — the lead agency responsible for greenery, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife and animal welfare in Singapore — as saying that while Vadivel possessed an export permit for the turtles, he did not meet the requirements to import them to India. The report also quoted NParks as saying that because salmonella is 'a bacterium of public health and biosecurity concern', the animals were 'humanely put down and disposed of to prevent the potential spread of disease.' In a related incident in April, a Singapore permanent resident was said to have exported red-eared slider turtles to India without a licence. Forty-one-year-old Rafique Syed Hariza Ali Hussain reportedly placed thousands of turtles in his baggage, getting paid S$500 for each successful delivery in India of the animals. Mothership reported at the time that red-eared slider turtles are considered an invasive species in India, and therefore their importation is restricted. It added that they were sold in India for around S$7.75 to S$12.40 per turtle. /TISG Read also: 'Heartbreaking goodbye' — Turtle Museum closing its doors by March 1 due to nearby construction projects
