§4912 Penalties and Regulations

Summary

Imposes fines and possible jail time for breaking the rules about importing exotic birds. People who knowingly break the rules in 4910(a)(1) or (2), and anyone in the business of importing exotic birds who breaks those rules, can be fined up to $25,000 for each violation. People who knowingly break the rule in 4910(a)(3) can be fined up to $12,000 for each violation. Other violations can bring fines up to $500 each. Civil fines are handled the same way as civil penalties under the Endangered Species Act. Criminal penalties let violators be fined under Title 18, sentenced up to 2 years in prison for the more serious violations, or up to 6 months for the 4910(a)(3) violation. Federal district courts hear cases under this chapter. American Samoa is in the District of Hawaii for these rules. Palau and the Northern Marianas are in the District of Guam. Importing an exotic bird counts as transporting wildlife under the Lacey Act. The Secretary must write rules needed to enforce the chapter. These powers add to, and do not replace or limit, the Secretary’s powers under the Endangered Species Act or the Lacey Act.