Do not buy protected animals as gifts, NEPA warns
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is warning people who may be seeking to purchase pets as gifts for the Christmas season to be careful not to buy protected species.
NEPA said in a news release Friday that some protected animals include the Yellow-billed Parrot, the Black-billed Parrot, the Crested Quail Dove, the Jamaican Parakeet, the American Crocodile, and the Jamaican Boa (Yellow Snake).
“It is an offence under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA) to possess, hunt, kill capture or willfully molest any protected animal,” NEPA insisted.
The agency advised that individuals found guilty of the offence may be charged a maximum fine of J$100,000 or face one year imprisonment.
NEPA is urging the public to report any such illegal activities at 754-7540 or 1-888-991-5005 or to the nearest police station.
