377 Exotic Animals Discovered Hidden Inside Car At Sicily Port, Including 76 Protected Parrots
Screenshot sharpened from video courtesy of Guardia di Finanza / Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM)
Italian authorities announced the seizure of 377 live exotic animals after they were discovered being transported inside a vehicle at the Port of Pozzallo in Sicily.
Authorities intercepted a Maltese citizen transporting 300 tortoises and 77 parrots near the boarding area for a catamaran bound for Malta.
According to the Guardia di Finanza, the vehicle did not provide adequate space or appropriate temperature regulation to protect the animals’ health. Veterinarians with the Ragusa Provincial Health Authority were called to the scene and confirmed the inadequate conditions in which the animals were being transported.
Further examinations by the Guardia di Finanza’s CITES unit in Catania-Fontanarossa determined that 76 of the 77 parrots belonged to species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The protected species identified were Ara macao, Ara chloropterus, Ara ararauna, Cacatua roseicapilla, and Cacatua alba.
The individual transporting the animals was referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Ragusa over alleged offenses related to keeping animals in conditions unsuitable for their welfare and that could cause serious suffering, along with alleged violations of Italy’s Law No. 150/1992 regarding the implementation of CITES.
All 377 animals were rescued and transferred to a facility that authorities said could provide suitable housing and care.
The Guardia di Finanza noted that the individual is presumed innocent unless and until a final conviction is issued.
The case highlights the urgent need to protect animals from the illegal wildlife trade and strengthen enforcement efforts to prevent the exploitation and trafficking of protected species.
