Be a champion of wildlife underdogs

Despite strict regulations and an import ban on wild birds in the EU, a new report by Pro Wildlife, Monitor Conservation Research Society and Copenhagen Zoo, uncovers ongoing legal loopholes, enforcement gaps, and the persistence of illegal trade. 

Until 2005, the EU had been the world's largest importer of wild-caught birds but upon implementation of the EU wild bird import ban in 2005, the trade in wild-caught birds significantly reduced but the interest in keeping and trading of birds remains highly popular – affecting millions of animals. 

Among the key findings of the report are:

• Loopholes in existing legislation, such as exemptions for the import of wild-caught birds for zoos or privately kept birds, continue to facilitate illegal bird trade within the EU.
• The laundering of wild-caught birds as captive-bred specimens remains an issue of concern.
• Due to the lack of monitoring systems, the exact scope of bird species traded and kept within the EU remains unknown.
• Enforcement inconsistencies and lack of standardised penalties weaken the impact of regulations.
• The trade in birds can pose significant risks to biodiversity, public health, and animal welfare.

There is an urgent need to

• Close loopholes in existing laws 
• Introduce deterrent penalties and ensure full application of the law 
• Enhance cooperation between national and international enforcement agencies
• Implement systematic record keeping of bird imports and seizures
• Increase awareness of the bird trade and associated concerns among enforcement authorities, judiciary, and the public. 

Links:

• Download the report