NEPA warns against protected birds as Christmas gifts

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is warning members of the public who may be seeking to purchase pets as gifts for the Christmas season to be careful not to buy protected species.

Some protected animals include the Yellow-billed Parrot, the Black-billed Parrot, the Crested Quail Dove, the Jamaican Parakeet, the American Crocodile and the Jamaican Boa  or Yellow Snake.

NEPA says it is an offence under the Wild Life Protection Act to possess, hunt, kill capture or wilfully molest any protected animal.

Individuals found guilty of the offence may be charged a maximum fine of $100,000 or face one year imprisonment.

NEPA is urging members of the public to report any such illegal activities.