KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — A 36-year-old Malaysian who smuggled 26 puppies and one kitten into Singapore, has been sentenced to 12 months’ jail, according to a news report by Channel News Asia (CNA) today.

CNA reported that Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) said in a press release yesterday that the offender, Gobysuwaran Paraman Sivan, was sentenced for illegally importing pet animals without a licence and causing the animals unnecessary pain and suffering in the process.

Of the 26 puppies, one was found dead when Gobysuwaran was caught, while 18 died later of a disease called canine parvovirus.

Gobysuwaran was apprehended in October 18, 2022, after Singapore immigration officers stopped a Malaysia-registered lorry at the island’s Tuas checkpoint.

The animals were found hidden in various compartments — some were in laundry bags stashed in the lorry’s overhead compartment, while others were kept in plastic containers behind the driver and passenger seats.

Laboratory tests subsequently detected the canine parvovirus in some of the puppies.

"Had these puppies gone into homes, canine parvovirus might have spread to other dogs in the community,” NParks reportedly said.

The board also reportedly called the case "one of the most serious cases of animal smuggling to date”.

To note, canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs.

It primarily attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and other symptoms.