Guardia Civil Intercepts 1,500 Goldfinches Hidden in Car at Alicante Port

The Guardia Civil has thwarted an attempt to illegally transport 1,500 European goldfinches from Spain to Algeria, according to recent reports. The seizure occurred at the Alicante port, where officers intercepted the birds concealed within a vehicle. A 57-year-old man is currently under arrest on suspicion of smuggling, wildlife offenses, animal cruelty, and resisting arrest.

The discovery was made during routine checks on vehicles boarding a ferry between Alicante and Algeria. During a more thorough examination, officers found 30 boxes, each measuring 42 by 24 centimeters, packed beneath clothing and empty sacks. Each box contained 50 goldfinches, totaling the 1,500 birds. Notably, none of these birds had identification rings or legal documentation proving their origin, and they were transported without food or water for an anticipated journey of eight hours or more.

The birds were swiftly relocated to the La Santa Faz wildlife recovery center in Alicante for urgent veterinary care. Of the recovered birds, 1,320 were deemed healthy enough to be released back into their natural habitat, while 90 had sustained injuries, and 90 were found deceased. The man arrested has since been released, pending further investigation.

Authorities have emphasized that the trading of wild birds is strictly regulated under wildlife laws, and the illegal trade poses a significant threat to native bird populations. The public is urged to report any suspected wildlife trafficking to their nearest Guardia Civil station, via phone at 062, through the AlertCops application, or by using the anonymous reporting form on the Guardia Civil website.