Guest guest Posted November 17, 2007 Report Share Posted November 17, 2007 http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=200182 & Sn=BNEW & IssueID=30242 Thailand not to blame for pet imports By geoffrey bew THAILAND should not be held responsible for the import of exotic animals such as crocodiles into Bahrain, says a senior diplomat.The senior Thai Embassy official said strict laws were in place to monitor the movement of animals between both countries and the responsibility rests with those who transport them. He said Thailand's Department of Livestock Development regulates the import, export and transit of animals and their products. It dictates that any person wishing to export live animals to another country must receive an import permit from the veterinary authority of that country. They are also required to obtain authorisation from International Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) before sending any animals abroad, to ensure they have been tested for diseases. " We have stringent rules in place and it is unfortunate that there is a perception that all these animals come in from Thailand, " the official told the GDN. " These animals are local to south east Asia. So I am not sure if it is fair to say they are always from Thailand. " There is nothing to confirm whether these animals are from Thailand or not, but so far in Bahrain we have not had any such cases reported to us. " The Environment Friends Society (EFS) president Khawla Al Muhannadi last month revealed many endangered species such as crocodiles, turtles, birds and exotic animals were brought into Bahrain from Asian countries as pets. However, she said they are often abandoned when they outgrow their surroundings. She made the comments after a Bahraini woman said she spotted a crocodile swimming in Tubli Bay. The GDN reported in August 2005 that the authorities were investigating the sale of baby crocodiles that were allegedly being smuggled into Bahrain and sold as pets. Several posters appeared in local supermarkets offering them for sale for BD40 and, when confronted, the Bahraini seller said he had brought them into the country from Thailand. Saltwater crocodiles, which can survive in seawater, are known to exist in Thailand and India. geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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