Filenews 23 January 2023
An extrajudicial fine of €21,000 for killing wild birds using poisoned baits was issued a few days ago by law enforcement.
According to an announcement by "BirdLife Cyprus", the imposition of a penalty is a great advance that could prevent similar illegal actions that have a devastating impact on the biodiversity of Cyprus.
As they point out, the extrajudicial fine is based on offences that appear to have taken place in December 2021, where three birds of prey - two Spizaetos and one Diplosiachino - were found dead in an area of the community of Dierona in the Limassol district. The detection of the above birds was made through the indications emitted by the satellite transmitter carried by one of the two Spizaetos and was the reason for the mobilization of the Game and Fauna Service and the investigation that followed in the area in cooperation with the Police.
During the investigation, the dead birds were found in premises, as well as other evidence, which after further investigation and scientific analyses were linked to a specific person who was served with an extrajudicial document for the offence of killing wild endangered birds with the use of poison and the offence of intentionally killing and/or capturing a protected wild bird. Autopsy and related toxicological analyses on the dead birds showed that their death was due to the highly toxic and banned substance carbofuran.
The suspected person was fined an extrajudicial fine of €21,000 for multiple offences, based on the provisions of the Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Law of 2003 (Law 152(I)/2003). In case of non-payment of the extrajudicial document, the suspect will be brought before a court. According to the provisions of the above legislation, the court may impose a prison sentence of up to 3 years or a fine of up to €20,000 or a combination of these, for each offence separately!
This is the first time in Cyprus that the offence of using poisoned baits and killing wild birds using poison has been documented. The law provides for particularly severe penalties for killing an endangered species, such as the Bonelli's Eagle in this case. The immediate mobilization and coordination between the competent authorities for the thorough investigation of the case, including the Police, the Game and Fauna Service, the General Chemical State Laboratory, the Veterinary Services and the Department of Agriculture, played a decisive role. Such results emerge when targeted efforts are made by multiple stakeholders to develop their skills and knowledge in forensic wildlife crime investigation, through participation in the Wildlife Crime Academy, a learning platform that uses best practices from Spain.
Melpo Apostolidou, Programme Coordinator at BirdLife Cyprus, said: "The outcome of everyone's efforts on a specific suspect marks a milestone by Cypriot standards and the imposition of a penalty is a positive development in the intensive efforts made by all involved to combat the placement of poisoned baits in the countryside. We believe that Cyprus is now in the ripe stage of following the example of other European countries and investing even more in efforts to prevent and combat the illegal phenomenon of wildlife poisoning. For example, in 2019, in Spain, three persons were sentenced to 2 years and 8 months in prison and compensation of €67,538 for repairing the damage they caused."
Placing poisoned baits in the countryside is a wildlife crime that has driven iconic bird species, such as the Griffon Vulture, to the brink of extinction in Cyprus. Indicatively, it is noted that, since 2005, 31 Griffon Vultures have been poisoned, leaving Cyprus today with only 9 Griffon Vultures. This population is strengthened by the introduction of birds from Spain as part of the "Life with Vultures" project.
Finally, it is pointed out that all incidents of poisoning must be thoroughly investigated to identify suspects and prosecute them. To this end, the public is invited to assist in this effort by reporting and reporting incidents of this type of wildlife crime to the Poison Bait Detection Teams of the Game and Fauna Service in 99267916 or 99255086 and at the local police station.
