Surge in fines for unlicensed ownership of endangered species

A new government proposal may increase the fine imposed on people caught holding endangered fauna and flora without a license. The Executive Council has analyzed a proposal to increase the current fine – which now goes up to MOP5,000 – to between MOP200,000 and MOP500,000.
“If the fine amounts are not adjusted, the strength of the law will not be sufficient. Often the illegal activities happen in jurisdictions with reduced fines,” explained Executive Council spokesperson Leong Heng Teng.
The Executive Council yesterday debated a bill that will apply an international convention on the trade of endangered wild fauna and flora to Macau.
Under the proposal, the Macau Economic Services (DSE) will grant licenses to certify the ownership and trade of approved fauna and flora.
The regulations forbid the embalming of those species, unless the owner can provide evidence that the acquisition was made before the law was passed. The rules around trade in endangered species have also been tightened.