Five Visayan leopard cats, including two kittens, were taken into custody by the DENR-PENRO Negros Occidental from the Bredco Port in Bacolod City around noon today, Jan. 16.
Personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resource Office in Bago City, led by officer-in-charge Rosievel Dimatulac, and the Bacolod City Maritime Police Station, Regional Maritime Unit 6, seized the cats in a decisive effort to curb wildlife trafficking.
The three adult Visayan leopard cats and two kittens, all of which are protected under Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, are now under the custody of the DENR-PENRO.
Arrangements are being made for their rehabilitation and possible release back to their natural habitat, the DENR-PENRO said in a statement, adding that RA 9147 prohibits the collection, possession, and trade of wildlife without appropriate permits to safeguard endangered and vulnerable species.
Legal proceedings also started against those identified as responsible for the illegal transport of the wildlife, it stressed.
The DENR-PENRO reiterates its call for the public to report any activity involving the illegal collection, transport, or trade of wildlife. | DENR-PENRO photos
