Cremona: Illicit possession and trade of protected animals. Fine exceeding 30.000 euros

In recent days, a long process has come to an end investigative activity conducted by the specialty Forestry of the Carabinieri of Cremona, especially from NIPAAF and from Forestry Carabinieri Unit, with the support of Carabinieri CITES Unit of Pavia, through which it was possible to ascertain violations of the legislation on hunting, on the taxidermy and on trade to the detriment of animals at the expense of a man resident in the Cremona area.

This activity, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Cremona, has allowed us to ascertain the unlawful detention a commercial purposes of 160 stuffed animals protected by the Washington Convention (CITES) and the possession of 178 animals and animal parts without any traceability, held in freezers for later embalming, animals seized by specialized units of the Carabinieri.

The animals seized mainly belong to the class of birds, among which many nocturnal and diurnal raptors, and secondarily to that of the mammals and reptiles.

Offences relating to the commercial possession of CITES animals are particularly burdensome, for which in the event of conviction, in addition to prison sentences, there are provisions very severe fines , suspension of the license.

Specific administrative sanctions were drawn up against the accused for a total amount exceeding €30.000, for the violation of regional regulatory provisions on taxidermy and national provisions on protection under CITES.

Furthermore, given the seriousness of the conduct, the competent Administrative Authority has taxidermist license revoked, so that the suspect cannot proceed with further illegal embalming.