A shock operation by the Provincial Police of Caserta, with the support of Lipu Napoli, has brought to light illegal trafficking of protected birds and practices of unprecedented cruelty. Between Caserta and San Nicola la Strada, 19 specimens of goldfinches, canaries and other protected species were seized, and a 38-year-old man was reported for mistreatment of animals and violations of wildlife legislation.
The cruelty behind the song
The investigations revealed a chilling practice: birds deemed not “gifted” enough in song were blinded with a burning needle, according to widespread beliefs in illegal circles. The objective, the investigators explain, was to “improve” his singing abilities. The animals were kept in terrible sanitary conditions, incompatible with any standard of animal welfare.
The escape attempt and the rescue
At the time of the raid, the suspect tried to get rid of one of the birds by throwing it from the balcony. Fortunately, the animal was immediately recovered by an officer stationed outside, avoiding a tragic fate. Tools used to illegally capture and manage birds were also seized inside the house, including trap cages and acoustic decoys.
The complaint and the alleged crimes
The man, already known to the police, was reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of Santa Maria Capua Vetere. The charges include violation of the rules on the protection of wildlife and animal cruelty, as provided for in article 544 of the Penal Code. The seized birds were entrusted to the Cras of Naples, where they will receive specialist care before possible reintegration into the wild.
A ruthless black market
The goldfinch is among the species most affected by illegal trafficking, with a value on the black market that can fluctuate between 100 and 8,000 euros depending on its alleged singing ability. The operation of the Provincial Police, coordinated by Colonel Biagio Chiariello, represents an important step in the fight against environmental crimes and in the protection of biodiversity, sending a strong signal against practices that inflict unspeakable suffering on animals.
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