Trade in protected birds flourishes in the Netherlands. According to a spokesperson from the animal protection group Dierenbescherming, the illegal trade is a new trend. In 2005 a total of 663 protected birds were confiscated. In 2002, the number was just 54.
In mid-December another animal protection group found 51 protected birds which were being kept illegally in personal aviaries in the southern town of Eersel. Among the birds confiscated were field larks and hedge sparrows. The perpetrator was already known to the agency as an illegal trader of wild birds.
The fine for holding such protected birds is EUR 44 per bird. On the black market, the birds are worth EUR 10 to EUR 75.
Source: Handel beschermde vogels floreert Trade of protected birds flourishes
