Illegal songbird trade clampdown

Traffickers use cruel tactics, such as netting and glue to ensnare the birds, leaving them helpless and distressed.

Inspectors have found a coal tit glued to a stick near Leominster and evidence of illegal trapping at an aviary in Stoke-on-Trent.

The charity says the problem is rife in the region and prosecutions are increasing but it wants to go further.

It is legal to trade in birds bred in captivity and such birds are identified with rings.

Illegal trappers force tampered rings onto the finches, often injuring them.

'Extreme suffering'

RSPCA Inspector Ian Briggs said: "The average tools of the trade for every bird trapper (are) a cage trap, a ring tampering kit which is used to legitimise any subsequent sale of the bird, various types of glue both commercially available and homemade.

"All of these items cause extremely unnecessary suffering to the bird."

With winter approaching and food scarce the birds are easier to catch and trappers are said to lie in wait in thistles until the birds come looking for seeds to feed on.

The birds are traded privately or at shows. The RSPCA caught travellers selling trapped wild finches from the back of a van at the annual Stow on the Wold horse fair in Gloucestershire for up to £100.

The charity is trying to clampdown on the practice and those caught face a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in jail.

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