WITH the number of pet owners rising, some have been even keeping wild animals as pets at home. However, private trading of wildlife, such as sulcate tortoises and green iguanas, is illegal, sources from the city’s police authorities said.

Since this year, Nanshan police have cooperated with several government departments to kick off a campaign to tackle wildlife-related violations. So far, the police have investigated a total of eight criminal cases involving nine wild animals, namely four sulcata tortoises, a sun conure, a green iguana, a terrapin, a Hermann’s tortoise and a yellow-footed tortoise.

Indiscriminate killing of wild animals not only destroys wildlife resources and the ecological environment, but also brings public health and safety risks to humans, according to the report.

Police reminded residents to be aware of related policies and rules before purchasing pets to avoid violating laws. Citizens are encouraged to report any wildlife trade they see to the police by calling 110. Police will continue to combat illegal wildlife trading.

(Wang Jingli)