Two Held Over Parrot Trafficking
Apr 16, 2003
TWO suspects believed to be part of a racket of bird traffickers were arrested last week with an endangered African Grey Parrot.
By Gerald Tenywa
TWO suspects believed to be part of a racket of bird traffickers were arrested last week with an endangered African Grey Parrot.
The Police, acting on a tip off, rounded up the two men on Entebbe Road and detained them for a day.
“We released them after their parents intervened, claiming that they were below 18 years but we can easily get them if the wildlife service is interested in the case,’’ said Patrick Okongo, a Police officer.
According to national and international laws on wildlife, parrots are categorised among endangered birds and it is illegal to capture, possess or sell them without a permit.
The Bellany family, residents at Lubowa on Entebbe Road, moved fast to save the bird by alerting the Police.
“I was suspicious when I saw the thieves climbing the tree. I asked them what they wanted, they said they were rectifying an electric power fault,’’ she said.
She said she recorded poachers’ actions before calling the Police.
Linda and Richard Bellany are keen bird watchers.
They are neighbours of parrots, which breed in old trees.
Ends
TWO suspects believed to be part of a racket of bird traffickers were arrested last week with an endangered African Grey Parrot.
The Police, acting on a tip off, rounded up the two men on Entebbe Road and detained them for a day.
“We released them after their parents intervened, claiming that they were below 18 years but we can easily get them if the wildlife service is interested in the case,’’ said Patrick Okongo, a Police officer.
According to national and international laws on wildlife, parrots are categorised among endangered birds and it is illegal to capture, possess or sell them without a permit.
The Bellany family, residents at Lubowa on Entebbe Road, moved fast to save the bird by alerting the Police.
“I was suspicious when I saw the thieves climbing the tree. I asked them what they wanted, they said they were rectifying an electric power fault,’’ she said.
She said she recorded poachers’ actions before calling the Police.
Linda and Richard Bellany are keen bird watchers.
They are neighbours of parrots, which breed in old trees.
Ends