Three detector dogs are being credited with intercepting more than 45 kilograms of undeclared meat, dairy and plant products at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said on social media that canines Dharla, Olga and Theo — all Labrador retrievers — sniffed out the imported foods from three travellers arriving on a flight from Bangladesh this month.
Seizure and Penalty
CBSA said the goods were seized and a $1,300 penalty was issued to the travellers. The seizure comes two months after detector dog Dharla uncovered 22 kilos of raw meat that arrived following a flight from Egypt. The border agency said at the time the traveller's luggage contained raw duck, pigeon, chicken, and rabbit. Raw meat frequently carries Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection and lead to diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
Traveller Requirements
People who enter Canada, whether they are a citizen or not, are required by law to declare all food, plant and animal products. Those include live animals and animal products such as cooked or raw meats, hides, skins, trophies, milk, fat, butter, cheese, eggs, fish, and seafood. In addition, plant products such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, trees, houseplants, wood, wood products, firewood, roots, vines, herbs, flowers, insects, bulbs, and soil must be declared.
“Inadmissible goods may be confiscated and disposed of, or ordered removed from Canada,” the CBSA says on its food, plant and animal inspections page. “Travellers may also be held responsible for any costs related to the disposal, quarantine, treatment or removal of these items from Canada.”
Penalties for not declaring any foreign products or providing required permits or certificates can lead to detention of the items, a penalty up to $1,300, and prosecution.
