The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) said a survey it conducted between June and July this year of 100 pet shops revealed one-fifth of them were engaged in illegal wildlife trading.

Five different turtle species, most on the brink of extinction, were found to be on sale, Acres said.

The exotic turtles found included the Chinese softshell turtle, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle, the pig-nosed turtle and the Australian snake-necked turtle.

Aside from the 111 turtles found on sale illegally in Singapore, Acres said its work had led to the confiscation of more than 100 animals on sale illegally.

These animals included primates, reptiles and spiders, the group said.

Acres called for tougher penalties for flouting wildlife laws in Singapore. "Current penalties do not act as a deterrent against the trafficking of protected species," it said.

Currently, a person can be fined up to 5,000 Singapore dollarsor sentenced to one year in jail, or both, for each animal species traded.

The Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), when contacted by AFP, said it was investigating the cases highlighted by Acres.

"AVA will continue its routine inspections of all pet shops to ensure animal welfare and no illegal animals are traded," said senior wildlife enforcement officer Bobby Lee.

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