The Maldives Customs Service has launched an investigation into the smuggling of a dog into Thulusdhoo by a tourist.

A dog was brought into Thulusdhoo on Saturday from a yacht that was outside Himmafushi. Following various concerns, the dog was taken off the island under police custody. However, the dog was imported with the necessary permits, police said.

The tourist, brought the dog into the country on the 16th of this month under a permit issued by the Ministry of Defence. However, the permit was issued only to keep the dog as a pet dog on the yacht. The permit states that the dog cannot be taken off the yacht even if the yacht travels to different parts of the Maldives.

"However, it is believed that the dog was taken off the yacht and kept in an island in violation of the permit. The agency is investigating the matter further," Customs said.