In a combined enforcement operation by the Nature and Parks Authority, the Central Enforcement and Investigations Unit (CIU) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Yavne Municipality that took place yesterday (Sunday), 66 birds from 22 species prohibited from being kept were rescued - after being kept in difficult conditions and in violation of the law.
Among the species found there: red-breasted, finch, shrike, mountain warbler, miller, common sparrow, black-capped chickadee, Japanese nightingale and more.
The operation was carried out after the Yavne Municipality's municipal hotline received a report from a concerned resident, who noticed that dozens of birds were being kept in a warehouse located in the underground parking lot of a building in the city.
Upon receiving the report, the municipal veterinarian, Dr. Yael Ovadia Golan, notified enforcement officials at the Nature and Parks Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security - and the inspectors raided the house and rescued the birds, who were being kept in harsh conditions and accompanied by pungent odors.
The birds were transferred for further treatment to the wildlife hospital at the Ramat Gan Safari.
An initial examination at the hospital found that the songbirds arrived with a variety of injuries typical of being held in captivity under inadequate conditions, including abrasions/beak/wax injuries, leg injuries, stress lines in the feathers, and broken/worn/missing feathers.
However, most of them arrived in relatively good condition, allowing for a rapid return to nature - of the local species.
The Nature and Parks Authority notes that a case has been opened against the suspect in whose possession the birds were found on suspicion of possession, trafficking, and harm to protected natural values and wildlife, as well as on suspicion of hunting using prohibited methods.
Later, he is also expected to be questioned by the Central Enforcement and Investigations Unit (CIU) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Tal Rotem, Enforcement Supervisor in the Central District of the Nature and Parks Authority"I thank all the bodies for the successful cooperation in rescuing the birds and removing them from the terrible situation in which they were kept in substandard conditions and against the law. Wild birds belong to nature, unfortunately there are still people who hunt and illegally trade in natural treasures for the benefit of economic interests. We will continue to act and bring to justice anyone who seeks to harm the wildlife and protected natural values of our country.".
Dr. Yael Ovadia Golan, the municipal veterinarian in the Yavne Municipality who took part in the operation, adds:"This is a case of keeping wild animals in conditions that are not adapted to their natural needs, while harming their well-being and sometimes even their health. Wild animals are not pets and they need their natural environment in order to survive and develop. The joint activity with the professional bodies is intended to protect the animals and maintain the ecological balance. We call on the public to show responsibility, to refrain from keeping wild animals in violation of the law, and to report any suspicious cases for the benefit of the animals and for the benefit of the environment as a whole.".
Moshe Acharek, Director of the Central Enforcement and Investigations Unit (CIU) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security"This is a serious case of illegal possession of wild animals under conditions that significantly harm their welfare and may pose a health risk to the public. The ministry's inspectors will continue to act resolutely, in cooperation with all enforcement agencies, to eradicate the phenomena of illegal animal trafficking and possession.".
