377 live exotic animals seized at Pozzallo before a catamaran to Malta

Italian customs officers and the Guardia di Finanza seized 377 live exotic animals at the port of Pozzallo, in the province of Ragusa, Sicily. A Maltese citizen was about to board the catamaran to Malta with them hidden in his car.

The animals were 300 freshwater turtles and 77 parrots. Of the parrots, 76 belong to species protected under CITES, the Washington Convention on international trade in endangered species. They include the scarlet macaw, green-winged macaw, blue-and-yellow macaw, Major Mitchell's cockatoo and white cockatoo.

The car had little room for the animals and no ventilation or temperature control suitable for live transport. Vets from the local health authority (ASP Ragusa) said the conditions were incompatible with the animals' welfare and likely to cause serious suffering.

What happens next

The man was reported to the Ragusa Prosecutor's Office for keeping animals in conditions incompatible with their nature and causing serious suffering, and for breaking Italian Law 150/1992, which applies the CITES rules. He was not arrested, but faces criminal proceedings. A Ragusa court has already refused a request to release the animals.

All 377 animals were placed under judicial custody and entrusted to an amateur breeding facility able to look after them, while longer-term homes are arranged.

Investigators describe it as one of the largest seizures in recent years by the number of protected animals involved, and a sign of continuing illegal trade in exotic and CITES-listed species between Sicily and Malta.

What you can do

Do not buy wild-caught exotic animals, and ask for CITES papers if you are offered a protected species. Report suspected wildlife trafficking to the Police or ERA (see Contacts).