AR-News: Canadian officials seize baby American alligators being smuggled into country

[Barry Kent MacKay]

Mon, March 15, 2004
Border agents seize 'gators

By SUN MEDIA

TORONTO -- A man has been arrested after customs agents seized four rare
baby American alligators being allegedly smuggled into Canada stuffed inside
a driver's jacket. The accused will appear in Windsor court today to face a
number of smuggling-related offences.

"The alligators are in a safe place and are being very well cared for," said
Dan Yen, of the Canada Border Services Agency. Yen said the accused was
charged Jan. 23 when a vehicle was searched entering Canada from Detroit at
the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel.

"The reptiles were found inside the lining of a jacket," he said.
"The item was being worn at the time."

Customs officials said an export permit is required from U.S. officials to
bring the reptiles into Canada.

Renato Rinomota, 34, has been charged for failure to report an alligator,
unlawful possession of an alligator and smuggling.


______________

Barry Kent MacKay
Canadian Representative
Animal Protection Institute 
<www.api4animals.org>