Global News - August 2007

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Man fined for selling rare animal products

Wed 29 August 2007 17:00 UK — Asia

A man has been convicted of violating Thailand's wildlife protection law by selling goods made from rare Tibetan antelopes.

The Indian national, Reyaz Ahmad Mir, was originally given a two-year prison sentence for selling shawls made from Tibetan antelopes at a shop in a luxury Bangkok shopping centre.

However, the sentence was later softened to two years of probation and a $300 (£150) fine.

Reyaz Ahmad Mir admitted that he was part of an international ring which sold hundreds of shahtoosh shawls which were smuggled from China, through India, and into Thailand.

Each of the shawls was made from the wool of between three and five Tibetan Antelopes and was sold for around $1,200 (£600).

Thai officials said that the prosecution showed that the country was serious about tackling the trade in rare animal goods.

Boonmee Somsuk, commander of the Thai Nature Crimes Police, pointed out: "We feel that this is a big step forward in Thailand's efforts to deal with international illegal wildlife trafficking.

"The court's decision confirms that it is illegal to trade protected species in Thailand, even if they are imported from another country. Those who traffic illegal wildlife here will be punished."

Due to illegal hunting and habitat loss, the number of Tibetan antelopes in the wild has declined from around one million in 1900 to less than 50,000 now.

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