Unlicensed ownership of endangered species penalized

Lionel Leong (second row, center) smiles

A proposal to increase the fine imposed on unlicensed holders of endangered fauna and flora was approved yesterday by the Legislative Assembly (AL).
The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, proposed the implementation of the international Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The proposal for the new fine was passed during the debate. The current fine – which stands currently at a maximum of MOP5,000 – will be increased to between MOP200,000 and MOP500,000.
Lawmaker Pereira Coutinho questioned the secretary whether all departments would conduct unified operations when endangered items are seized, and if the authorities will provide pictures of the items online. He repeatedly called for increased government transparency. Leong claimed that posting pictures online before completing all legal procedures would be complicated, but he approved the suggestion.
The lawmakers also questioned the departments about the transfer of live animals between regions. The representatives acknowledged that there are no regulations under CITES, although the authorities do indeed conduct bilateral operations with some regions.
Economic Services director Tai Kin Ip said that in terms of seized items, 350 kilograms worth of items from endangered species were destroyed, 150 kilograms are currently awaiting destruction, and 200 kilograms were handed over to Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau. Ip added that the items cannot be auctioned while in the possession of the Macau government, according to CITES, but that the government would be obliged to use them for research and education purposes.
After yesterday’s general approval, the bill will undergo detailed discussion at one of the AL’s commissions.