News about trial for poaching
Newsletter 13/06/2016
In October 2012, the two Northern Bald Ibises Goja and Jedi were shot in the province of Livorno in Italy. Unfortunately, these were not the only cases of illegal bird hunting. In the period from 2002 to 2013, around 70% of the losses of released Northern Bald Ibises were due to illegal hunting in Italy (Fritz & Unsöld 2015). However, the case of Goja and Jedi was special because the responsible hunter could be identified for the first time.
Since 2012, a trial against this hunter is ongoing. We have commissioned an Italian Lawyer to look after our interests. Since then, the preparations for the process have been delayed again and again, probably very much in the interests of the accused, because in October 2017 the period expires within which the process has to be concluded.
But now, there is rather surprising progress. On May 27, a hearing took place in Livorno, where our staff members Anne Schmalstieg and Daniela Trobe, together with officials of the provincial police and others, were invited as witnesses. The survey of our employees, in the presence of a professional translator, was extensive. According to our lawyer, it went well. It is an additional good sign that the next court session is scheduled for July 1.
The condemnation of the hunter would be an important achievement for our commitment against illegal bird hunting in Italy. It would be a signal that illegal shooting is not a trivial, but a criminal offence. We also aim to file a civil action against the hunter for the compensation of damages.
Apart of the process, we implement a range of actions against illegal hunting since start of the LIFE+ project in 2014. These actions manly aim to establish positive and cooperative contacts with hunters and hunting associations. This includes information of hunters at hunter’s exhibitions and various collaborations with hunting associations. As an effect, the rate of losses by illegal hunting seems to be substantial lowered.
Click here to get to our Newsletter archive.
