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Date Published: 01/03/2024

Aguilas man arrested for capturing and keeping wild birds

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The Águilas poacher used illegal gear to trap protected finches

Aguilas man arrested for capturing and keeping wild birds

The Guardia Civil's Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) has arrested a suspect and seized illegal hunting equipment in a crackdown on bird poaching in the municipality of Águilas. Two goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) and a common linnet (Linaria cannabina) were recovered during the operation.

Acting on a tip-off, SEPRONA officers found a simple double-mantle net with remote control, strategically placed to capture finch birds in the El Charcón area of Águilas. The Guardia Civil established a surveillance device in the area to identify the person responsible for installing the prohibited hunting gear.

The suspect was caught red-handed near the net, which was operated remotely by a rope. Three trap cages and several birds, including goldfinches and linnets, were found nearby, as well as other bait and lures. The use of such gear for hunting is completely prohibited.

The Guardia Civil seized the illegal hunting equipment and the three birds. The suspect was identified and investigated for allegedly committing a crime against flora and fauna. The penalty for such a crime ranges from six months to two years in prison, a fine of eight to 24 months, and a ban from owning or working with animals for one to three years.

The man also faces a ban from hunting and fishing, and could lose the right to own or carry weapons.

The recovered birds were handed over to the El Valle Wildlife Recovery Center in Murcia.

Illegal bird hunting is a serious offence in Spain, punishable by imprisonment and fines. The country has laws regulating the breeding of finch birds in captivity to encourage their recovery and protect wild populations. However, capturing them in the wild is strictly forbidden.