A large illegal traffic of goldfinches was discovered in Sant'Antimo, in the Naples area, during an anti-poaching operation conducted by the Carabinieri of the Sant'Antimo branch, coordinated by lieutenant Vincenzo Vacchiano, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police of Naples, led by commander Lucia Rea, and with the support of the volunteer guards of the LIPU.
The operation, which took place last Sunday between Sant'Antimo and villaricca, led to the reporting of three people, some of whom had specific criminal records, to the search of two homes and to the seizure of twelve goldfinches together with a bird-trapping net. The birds were sold illegally "in broad daylight", displayed in small cages along the streets of the town. Some specimens were even harnessed with string to be used as live decoys to attract other birds into poachers' nets.
Those accused will have to answer before the Prosecutor's Office of Naples North for illegal possession of particularly protected species, receiving stolen wildlife and animal abuse. The goldfinch (carduelis carduelis) is a particularly protected species and considered an unavailable heritage of the State. To capture them, poachers use cruel methods: the specimens used as bait are often blinded, injured or with broken wings, making them unable to survive.
According to the authorities, goldfinch trafficking is an illegal business. thousands of euros, and Sant'Antimo had by now become one of the main sales points in the region. The seized birds were entrusted to the veterinarians of the Recovery Center of the ASL Napoli 1 for the necessary care, before being reintroduced into their natural habitat.
Article published on 18 February 2025 - 11:19
It is a worrying situation that of the illegal trafficking of goldfinches, because there are people who exploit the animals in an unacceptable way. I hope that the authorities continue to carry out checks and prevention to stop these activities.
The article is interesting but there are many things that I do not understand well. Why these people traffic birds? It is bad to see animals mistreated, I hope the law takes its course. We must protect nature.