At five addresses in Brabant, 35 indigenous, protected birds, several neglected horses and unchanged dogs were discovered during a check -up. The enforcement team of Samen Sterk in Brabant (SSIB), together with the police and the national inspection service, carried out so -called ‘aviary controls’. Already at the first locations it was hit. The enforcers announced their findings this Monday.
SSIB, the enforcement service of the Brabant Noord Environment Agency, regularly carries out checks, but it is the first time that has taken into account in this way. The checks at five addresses came after reports through partner organizations and the environmental complaints center. “Our colleagues immediately found things that were not in order during the first inspections,” says a spokesperson for the Brabant Noord Environment Agency.
Putters and finches
During the checks, 35 protected native birds were found, including putters and finches. In addition, the inspectors discovered neglected horses and dogs without a chip. The dogs, often wind dogs, are known for their ability to catch wild animals such as hares. However, it is forbidden to hunt with these ‘long dogs’, and moreover the dogs were not chipped. Dogs must be chipped and registered within seven weeks of birth.
Poot rings and glue stitches
In addition, incomplete or non-statutory leg rings were found in some birds. “Poot rings are required to prove the legal breeding of birds so that illegal trade is prevented,” the spokesperson explains.
During the check, prohibitions were also seized, such as fog nets and glue stitches. “Glue pellets are used to catch protected birds, which is forbidden. Fog nets are invisible to the naked eye, causing birds to become entangled in it,” the spokesperson said. “Birds can also fly against glue sticks, causing them to get stuck.”
The birds and the illegal catches were immediately seized. SSIB has drawn up an official report in every case and sent it to the Public Prosecution Service for further assessment. “They will determine which punishment or measure is appropriate for these violations,” the spokesperson said.