Sting operation nabs online sellers of illegal animals
Published on Apr 8, 2012
In another recent case, this hedgehog was among 13 that a 28-year-old man tried to sell online. The python and hedgehogs are now with Wildlife Reserves Singapore. -- ST PHOTO: SEAH KWANG PENG
By Jose Hong
A couple were caught trying to sell an illegal ball python in a recent sting operation mounted by animal advocacy group Animals Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).
The man and woman had advertised online the sale of one ball python, describing it as 'super tame', a 'juvenile' and of a 'unique coloration'.
Acting on a tip-off, an Acres staff member posed as a prospective buyer and met the seller in Serangoon Central on March 30.
Under the Endangered Species Act, ball pythons are not allowed for sale in Singapore. Ball pythons are non-venomous snakes indigenous to Africa, and are known to roll themselves into the shape of a ball when threatened.
Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.
