NEPA warns against buying protected species as Christmas gifts
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is warning members of the public, who may be seeking to purchase pets as gifts for the Christmas season, to be careful not to buy protected species.
“Protected animals include the Yellow-billed and Black-billed Parrots, the Crested Quail Dove, the Jamaican Parakeet, the American Crocodile, the Jamaican Slider Turtle and the Jamaican Boa (Yellow Snake),” outlined NEPA in a release this afternoon.
NEPA reminded that it is an offence under the Wild Life Protection Act to have in one’s possession any protected animal or to hunt, kill, capture or wilfully molest any of these animals.
The agency also warned that individuals found guilty of the offence may be charged a maximum fine of $100,000 or face one year imprisonment.
NEPA urged members of the public to report any such illegal activities at 754-7540 or 1-888-991-5005. Persons may also call 119 or make a report to the nearest police station.
