The Police and the Game and Fauna Service worked together to convict 55 suspects. They also imposed fines totaling €239,000 for bird poaching between September 10 and November 25, as stated by the Committee Against Animal Slaughter (CABS).
During this time, two to four teams were active every day. These teams included experienced participants and environmentalists from across Europe. Their main job was to spot and report active traps, help authorities find offenders, and release all protected birds found alive in traps.
Alongside police officers and game wardens from the Game and Fauna Service, the environmentalists carried out a total of 75 joint operations that led to the conviction of 55 men—35 trappers and 20 hunters—who broke hunting rules.
In these operations, 1,547 limesticks, 137 nets, and 89 electronic bird-attracting devices were seized or destroyed. CABS members also helped authorities release 1,286 live birds trapped in nets or stuck on limesticks. This included many protected blackcaps, which are the main target of local poachers, as well as birds from 22 other protected species like reed warblers, nightingales, scops owls, and wrynecks.
The total fines imposed on suspects identified through CABS reports this autumn amount to €239,770.
CABS is pleased with the Police and Game Wardens for their teamwork and quick response to complaints. They emphasize that this year sends a strong message to all poachers: “no one is above the law and those caught must face the consequences of their actions.”
