Robert J. Ferreira, Bird Treaty Act Violation, Rhode Island 2023
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A shocking case of wildlife cruelty has come to light in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where a man has been sentenced to six months of federal probation for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Robert J. Ferreira, 65, of Portsmouth, pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor charges of hunting, taking, killing, or attempting to take or kill migratory birds. This disturbing crime took place between October 2018 and April 2021, with eight injured or deceased hawks recovered from the vicinity of Ferreira's property.
Ammunition recovered from three of the hawks matched an air rifle belonging to Ferreira. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects certain migratory birds, including the Red-Tailed hawk and Cooper hawk, and forbids hunting, capturing, or killing these birds unless authorized by permit.
Ferreira appeared before a magistrate judge in federal court in Providence today, and admitted to using his air rifle to injure three Red-Tailed hawks and a Cooper's hawk between October 23, 2018, and March 18, 2019.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine D. Lowell. The matter was investigated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement.
Ferreira was sentenced on Thursday, March 23, 2023, by Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond to six months of probation. The court has made it clear that wildlife crime will not be taken lightly, and this sentence serves as a warning to those who would seek to harm our nation's precious bird populations.
As a result of this case, Ferreira will be subject to close supervision, and will be required to adhere to a strict set of conditions in order to avoid further punishment. The community can rest assured that justice has been served, and that those who would seek to harm our wildlife will be held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Environment & Wildlife Violations
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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