Quarantine detector dogs part of fight against smuggling of endangered species

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department reported a 20 percent-surge of endangered species being smuggled into the city over the past two years.

Besides employing the use of technology, we take a look at how the AFCD has also been relying on the assistance of quarantine detector dogs.

Climbing up piles of boxes proves to be no challenge for these pups who carefully sniff their contents to check for smuggled goods.

The task of their training mission was completed successfully with a pack of suspected dried seahorses found inside one of the containers.

Performing up to par even in a much more crowded setting, the canines were able to track down a live target this time.

Being part of the AFCD's quarantine detector dog squad, the canines are responsible for searching smuggled items at various border checkpoints.

Having noticed a recent rise in cases involving endangered species being smuggled over the past few years, the AFCD said their quarantine detector dogs managed to help them solve around 60 cases during this period.

Authorities also noted that among the smuggled species, the greatest surge was seen in orchids and reptiles.

Nearly 250 cases of smuggled orchids were reported just last year alone, which is twice the 2023 figure.

With the lunar new year holidays just around the corner, the city already recorded 23 such cases as of this year.

This as AFCD Endangered Species Protection Officer Jenny Lau said the increase in cases could be attributed to the rising trend of northbound consumption, and stressed that authorities will strengthen awareness of permits being required to bring orchids back to the city.

As of now, the AFCD has eight quarantine detector dogs aged between two and eight years old who regularly work with the Customs and Excise Department.