NVWA arrests suspect of large-scale illegal bird trade
Inspectors and investigators from the Nederlandse Voedsel en Waren Autoriteit (NVWA) arrested a 20-year-old man from North Brabant on Friday, September 12. He is suspected of large-scale illegal bird trade. During a search of his business premises, the NVWA seized 498 birds. Further investigation will determine whether these birds have a legal origin. The animals have been placed with qualified animal shelters.
These primarily concerns birds that are believed to have been captured in the wild in Africa and Asia and then smuggled into the European Union (EU). Importing birds from outside the EU is prohibited, partly due to the risk of introducing animal diseases, such as avian influenza.
Previously in error
Inspectors previously seized 170 birds from this trader because their origins were unclear. Investigation revealed that the birds originated abroad, but the trader was unable to provide any accompanying documentation. Several protected birds were also found to be wearing leg rings. The trader could not prove their legal origin.
Inspectors , along with investigators from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) Intelligence and Investigation Service ( NVWA-IOD ), launched a criminal investigation. During this investigation, they discovered that the suspect was trading captured birds on a large scale in Africa and Asia. Under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor's Office, the NVWA is conducting further investigations into the origin of the birds and the extent of the suspect's illegal trade.
Illegal bird trade
There's a vibrant trade in birds, unfortunately, some of it illegal. This involves protected native and non-native birds, as well as unprotected non-native species caught in the wild. Many birds die because of the way they are captured and transported. The illegal trade in birds threatens biodiversity, human and animal health, and causes animal suffering. Therefore, the government is tackling this illegal trade.
The NVWA urges people to report suspicions of illegal bird trade . This can also be done anonymously via the NVWA-IOD Criminal Intelligence Team .
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