Hundreds of birds were seized on Wednesday by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) from an animal wholesaler in Gelderland. Most of the birds were winged. This is the amputation of part of the wing, which is prohibited in the Netherlands.
The trader was unable to demonstrate that he had obtained legal possession of a number of other birds, the NVWA reported on Friday.
Inspectors found 1100 birds on the farm. 369 birds have been confiscated. These included ducks, geese, pheasants and a swan. The birds are housed in a specialized shelter.
According to the NVWA, there is a lively trade in birds. “Unfortunately also partly illegal trade.” This illegal trade poses a threat to biodiversity and often leads to animal suffering.