A fine of two thousand euros has been imposed on a man who admitted guilt for offences related to bird trapping in the Dasaki Achnas area since January.
In a statement from the British Bases, it is stated that “during a joint operation conducted in the early hours of last week by the Base Police and members of the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), the man was arrested in possession of eight freshly killed chaffinches, two nets, and an active bird mimicry device. During the operation, CABS members reported hearing a mimicry device coming from a semi-enclosed orchard.”
As soon as the man noticed the Base Police approaching the area, “he attempted to escape but was apprehended and admitted to the bird trapping offences,” it is added.
Assistant Police Director of Dhekelia, Panikos Panayi, “who oversees the Community Action Team, responsible for operations against bird trapping, said that heavy fines for aspiring trappers will continue.”
He further stated that “there has been much discussion about the possibility of reducing fines for bird trapping offences, but we remain committed to ensuring that those caught engaging in this illegal activity will be prosecuted and face severe penalties.”
“The recent successful prosecution demonstrates our commitment to keeping fines high and serving as a deterrent to those caught,” he noted.
As Panayi said, “our close working relationships with CABS and other organisations like Bird Life Cyprus demonstrate our commitment to this issue, and there will be no abandonment of these joint operations.”
It is noted that “last month, officials revealed that over the next year, the Police are convinced they will secure additional funding to add new technology to combat bird trapping, including improved surveillance equipment with upgraded drones and cameras.”
The statement also mentions that “since the introduction of the Police action plan against bird trapping in 2016, this illegal activity has been almost eliminated by 100% within the British Bases.”
