The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is looking at whether animal smuggling was involved after more than 60 animals – including 29 endangered reptiles – were seized at a Sham Shui Po flat on Thursday.

Speaking on an RTHK programme on Friday, Ken Chan, an endangered species protection officer at the department, described the case as unusual.

"Of course, compared with import and export volumes, it is not particularly large, but finding this number of animals in a residential unit is beyond what we have recorded so far," he said.

Chan said he believes it's an isolated case, and the AFCD will continue to collaborate with the Customs and Excise Department to monitor illegal activities involving endangered species.

A 35-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the case. She said she kept the animals for education purposes.

The seized animals will be placed at AFCD animal management centres.

An animal welfare group said keeping a large number of animals in a unit of just a few hundred square feet affects their mental health.

Victor Wong of Cheung Chau Animal Care told the same programme that if they make their way into nearby homes, that could pose a significant threat to other residents.

The case came to light when an injured juvenile crocodile was found on the balcony of a neighbouring flat, leading officers to trace the reptile and other animals to the suspect.


Edited by Edmond Fong