A Gulf resident was yesterday apprehended at Abu Dhabi Airport with four snakes, a parrot and a squirrel in his handbag.
The passenger, whose identity and destination were not revealed, was transiting through Abu Dhabi airport on his way home from Jakarta.
A pre-boarding check revealed the live animals in his hand luggage.
"Live animals are not permitted to be brought on board aircraft in hand luggage or otherwise," Colonel Khamis Al Marar, Acting Director-General of Security Affairs and Ports, said.
"In addition, the passenger did not possess an animal export permit, or a good health certificate. The animals he was carrying, however, were not rare or endangered species."
The animals were confiscated, and the passenger was allowed to board his flight to a neighbouring Gulf city.
Colonel Al Marar said animals are permitted on airplanes only as cargo and should be securely caged.
