A CITY resident was on Monday fined $20,000 after pleading guilty to illegally importing animals into Guyana from Brazil.
Elizebath Chung, also known as ‘Liza,’ a 40-year-old chef of 29 Second Street, Alberttown, and 156 Third Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown, was charged with Importing a Terrestrial Animal without a Permit, Contrary to Section 22(1) and Section 40(1)(a) of the Animal Health Act No. 7 of 2011.
She appeared at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court before His Worship Omadatt Chandan where the charge was read to her. She later pleaded guilty and was fined G$20,000.
Reports that the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), successfully intercepted an illegal animal-smuggling operation on Saturday, November 22, at Annai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
During the joint operation, law enforcement officers detained Chung who in 10 live animals from neighbouring Brazil without an Import Permit from GLDA, the legally required documentation authorising their importation or movement within Guyana.
The seized animals included four German Shepherds, two Australian Shepherds, one Cane Corso, one Chow Chow, one Border Collie, and one Doberman.
The animals were immediately placed into the protective custody of GLDA’s veterinary personnel for clinical examination, verification of vaccination and health certificates, and subsequent quarantine pending further official action.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the GLDA and GPF confirmed that the animals were imported in direct violation of the legal requirements governing the movement of live animals into Guyana. In accordance with the Animal Health Act (No. 7 of 2011) and its associated regulations, no person is permitted to import any live animal or animal product without first securing an import permit from the GLDA.
The Import Permit, together with mandatory veterinary verification and quarantine procedures, forms a critical component of Guyana’s national animal health and biosecurity system.
These measures are specifically designed to prevent the introduction of canine rabies and other devastating infectious, contagious, and zoonotic diseases that could severely impact public health, animal health and welfare, and the integrity of Guyana’s livestock and companion animal populations.
Through these protocols which include verification of vaccination status, examination of health certificates, disease-risk assessments, and the use of approved ports of entry, the GLDA ensures that all imported animals meet the required health and safety standards before entering the country.
Investigators confirmed that none of the required documentation was presented at the time of interception, constituting a clear breach of the Animal Health Act and the Animals (Diseases) Regulations.
These laws provide for the seizure and forfeiture of illegally imported animals and outline penalties for offenders, including fines, imprisonment for up to three months for certain offences, or both.
Additionally, the Customs Act, classify the unlawful importation of goods including live animals as smuggling, an offence that may attract substantial fines, forfeiture of the transported goods and vehicle used, and possible custodial sentences upon conviction.
The GLDA subsequently assured the public that all seized animals are receiving proper care and will remain under official veterinary supervision until the matter is resolved.
The agency reiterates that illegal animal importation poses significant risks, including the potential introduction of canine rabies, canine parvovirus, distemper, and other highly infectious and zoonotic diseases that threaten both human and animal health.
The GLDA and the police continue to encourage citizens to comply fully with established procedures for the importation of animals and animal products. Detailed guidelines including import permit requirements, fees, inspection processes, and quarantine protocols are available through the GLDA’s Animal Health Unit.
Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected cases of animal smuggling or unauthorised transportation of animals to the nearest police station or GLDA office.
