Pozzallo: Italian authorities seized 377 animals from a car preparing to board a vessel bound for Malta at Sicily’s Pozzallo port, according to reports published on Monday.
Customs officials and officers from Italy’s financial police, the Guardia di Finanza, discovered 300 turtles and 77 parrots during an inspection near the boarding area.
Authorities said the vehicle lacked sufficient space and suitable temperature control to protect the animals’ health. Veterinary checks confirmed the unsuitable conditions. Of the parrots recovered, 76 belonged to protected species.
The Maltese man transporting the animals was reported to prosecutors over alleged violations. Italian news agency ANSA said he lacked the required CITES documentation governing trade in protected wildlife.
CITES documents are permits or certificates required for international trade in certain protected animals and plants.
CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. These documents help establish that the trade meets the convention’s requirements.
A court in Ragusa rejected a request to release the seized animals. They were placed in the care of a breeding facility pending transfer to suitable accommodation, ANSA reported.
