Police rescue illegally captured birds of prey in Ibbenbüren

As reported by the Committee Against Bird Slaughter, both strictly protected birds were illegally taken from the wild and subsequently offered for sale on the internet.

Illegal sale on a classified ads portal

In a listing published on a well-known classified ads portal, both animals can be seen with their talons bound together on the floor of a warehouse. “Here I am offering two beautiful birds. Please only contact me with serious enquiries,” wrote the seller.

Attentive nature conservationists reported the advertisement to the Committee, which indeed had a few serious questions. “The capture and sale of wild birds of prey are criminal offences under the Federal Nature Conservation Act. Furthermore, the images indicated animal cruelty,” said biologist Marvin Fehn of the Committee Against Bird Slaughter. Unfortunately, the seller had already deleted the listing by that point. However, he had not removed his listing for an office chair, which had been photographed in the same warehouse as the birds of prey. Using the telephone number provided there, the police — alerted by the bird conservationists — were able to identify the seller's address. During a house search ordered by the Ibbenbüren District Court, both animals were discovered and seized. “The birds were in poor condition and were handed over to a falconer,” said Fehn. After several weeks of intensive care, they were successfully released back into the wild. More on Wildlife crime.

Criminal complaint for violation of nature conservation and animal welfare legislation

The Committee Against Bird Slaughter has filed a criminal complaint against the seller. He is being investigated for violations of the Nature Conservation Act and the Animal Protection Act. If convicted, the man faces a heavy fine or even imprisonment. The Committee Against Bird Slaughter believes the evidence is sufficient for a prosecution and expresses its gratitude to all parties involved. “The rescue of these two birds is a vivid example of the successful cooperation between conservationists, police, the judiciary, and the wildlife care station,” said Marvin Fehn. The animal welfare problem is also evident in the illegal wildlife trade.