THE National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is reminding Jamaicans that it is against the law to import animals without the necessary approval from the Veterinary Services Division (VSD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries as well as the requisite permit, which it has the authority to issue.

“Persons in breach of the import requirements can be fined a maximum of $5 million under the Natural Resources and Conservation Authority (NRCA) Act,” warned NEPA in a media release on Wednesday.

The agency issued the warning as it provided an update on three monkeys that were reported on the loose in Stony Hill, St Andrew, on Monday.

According to NEPA, the three white-faced capuchin monkeys have been captured and are presently in quarantine under the care of the Veterinary Services Division (VSD) and the Hope Zoo.

NEPA noted that the white-faced capuchin monkey is not native to the island and warned that it could pose serious threat to public health and Jamaica’s agricultural industry.

“The presence of the animal can also prove disruptive to the natural balance of the country’s ecosystem and biodiversity,” said NEPA.

The environment agency said it will be working with its partners, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the VSD to identify the location from which the monkeys escaped and will be taking the strongest possible legal action against the person or people responsible for their importation.