Inspectors from the Chilean National Customs Service rescued four French bulldog puppies at the Colchane border complex in the Tarapacá region (north). They were a female and three males that were inside a bag that was being transported by a Bolivian citizen.
The case occurred in the morning when inspectors intercepted a man who was walking from east to west on the track used by trucks leaving Chile. When interviewed, he said he was carrying two pets, but it was finally proven that they were four puppies that had been purchased in Bolivia and he intended to illegally bring them into Chile.
Customs immediately took the puppies into custody and contacted personnel from the Agricultural and Livestock Service. (SAG) and the on-duty prosecutor of Pozo Almonte. At the same time, the Bolivian citizen was notified of smuggling and was warned under Article 26 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Puppies were delivered to SAG
The puppies were checked and were in good condition, so coordination was made and Customs delivered them through a document to the SAG, from where they were coordinated with the National Service of Agricultural Health and Food Safety (SENASAG) of Bolivia for the reception and final care.
El Regional Director of the Iquique Customs, Cristian Molina Silva, pointed out that unfortunately, smuggling of purebred dogs and other species has become frequent in recent times, "which is why the community is called upon not to buy, since this generates a demand and the animals are subjected to a lot of stress and even mistreatment during transport."
The director added that due to the contingency, work is being done in a coordinated manner with other institutions to generate rapid responses, as was done in this case.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
