Man arrested in Ansião suspected of setting traps for wildlife
Authorities arrested a 59-year-old man who constructed small lakes and feeding areas to attract and capture protected animals.
Man arrested in Ansião suspected of setting traps for wildlife
Authorities arrested a 59-year-old man in the municipality of Ansião, in the district of Leiria, on suspicion of illegal hunting. The individual reportedly constructed an infrastructure on his land comprising small artificial lakes and feeding areas to attract protected animals.
The arrest took place on Friday, during an operation by the Nature and Environment Protection Service (SEPNA), a specialised unit of the National Republican Guard. The man is facing charges of damage to natural heritage and use of prohibited methods to capture animals.
At the scene, officers found a collection of illegal devices: 23 spring traps for birds, 17 metal snares for larger prey, five lethal traps of the gin trap type. Thirteen birds were also seized, including species subject to regulated hunting such as wood pigeons, collared doves and thrushes, and native species including blue tits and European goldfinches.
Two pedigree dogs — a Beagle and an English Setter — were also recovered and handed over to their legitimate owners.
The detainee had a prior criminal record for similar activities.
Source: Jornal de Leiria
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)