The Grimy Times has learned that six defendants have been charged with collectively trafficking over 400 migratory birds in South Florida.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announced the filing of federal charges against the defendants, who used sophisticated methods to traffic protected wildlife, including the use of bird traps, electronic birdcall broadcast systems, and mist nets.
According to the indictment, the defendants also employed traditional smuggling techniques, such as shipping migratory birds to buyers across the country in boxes with hidden compartments and concealing the protected wildlife in hair curlers taped to a defendant’s body, beneath baggy pants.
In some instances, the wildlife trafficking in these cases involved severe animal cruelty and resulted in injury to the birds. Some of the trafficked birds showed signs of having sustained injuries while attempting to flee captivity, and some were even dead at the time of sale or shortly after purchase.
USFWS and FWC agents purchased and/or seized migratory birds from all six of these defendants, and after a determination that the release of the seized wildlife is safe and appropriate, USFWS will return hundreds of these birds into the wild.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office stands alongside our law enforcement and community partners as we strive to protect our natural resources and wildlife, including the diverse migratory bird population, that make South Florida such a vibrant environmental sanctuary,” stated U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg.
The investigation into the bird trafficking ring was a collaborative effort between the USFWS, FWC, CBP, NPS, and USPIS, and the defendants are facing federal charges for their involvement in the trafficking of over 400 migratory birds.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, enacted in 1918, prohibits the pursuit, hunting, taking, capture, killing, possession, sale, barter, purchase, shipping, exportation, and importation of migratory birds, and the defendants will face severe penalties if convicted.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Environmental Crime|Wildlife Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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