Gardai swoop on protected wild bird trappers in Limerick

NATIONAL Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff and gardai seized protected wild birds at a property in Limerick city.

An NPWS spokesperson said the seizure on Friday was part of an operation targeting the trapping of finches.

"While executing a search warrant a number of song birds and trapping paraphernalia were removed from the property," said the spokesperson.

Limerick Live understands the birds are caught by putting a sticky substance on a twig or branch. The birds are then sold on the black market and can fetch high prices.

"The public is reminded that all wild birds are protected by law and the trapping and keeping of such wild birds is prohibited," added the NPWS spokesperson.

Speaking after the operation, County Limerick Garda Inspector Gearoid Thompson (pictured below) said they were very happy to provide assistance to, and learn from, lead agency NPWS with "this important operation and delighted with the successful outcome".

"Positive operations like this increases awareness and can also ensure garda members are more vigilant of this type of crime in future patrols and enquiries," said Insp Thompson.

Anybody who may information in relation to such activities should bring it to the attention of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (wildlifeenforcement@npws.gov.ie) their local garda station or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.