Experts of the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water – Plovdiv (RIOSV – Plovdiv) and SNC “Green Balkans” released birds of protected species after an effective decision of the District Court – Plovdiv. For their release, they chose the area of the Wildlife Rescue Center in Stara Zagora as suitable.
The wild birds were rescued during a specialized police operation at the beginning of the year in the city of Plovdiv by a joint team with representatives of the eco-inspection and VI RU at the Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Plovdiv. Then, a citizen raising birds at his home had cages with specimens of the goldfinch, common hornbill and birch scaly species taken away. The captured birds were handed over to the Rescue Center for Wild Animals in Stara Zagora for breeding and safe keeping as physical evidence until the end of the investigation, where they were bred by specialists under appropriate conditions.
In the course of the court proceedings, the accused citizen pleaded guilty to illegally possessing 24 specimens of protected species of wild fauna. A fine of BGN 1,000 was imposed on him.
RISV – Plovdiv reminds again that all forms of intentional capture, killing, possession, transfer, transport, export abroad, trade or exchange of specimens taken from nature of protected species is a crime. The Ecoinspection will continue to work hard to stop the illegal trade in wild songbirds together with the law enforcement authorities.
