Brazilian police authorities have taken action against illegal wildlife captivity by seizing 112 birds from various species, including canaries and trinca-ferro, in Montes Claros. The operation unfolded when the Military Police of the Environment executed a search warrant prompted by intelligence reports and public complaints regarding the unlawful conditions in which these birds were kept.

On inspection, authorities found the birds confined in 81 cages that were reported to be in deplorable conditions, including filth and absence of basic necessities like food and clean water. This raised serious concerns about the welfare of the animals, highlighting the ongoing issues of wildlife trafficking and animal mistreatment in the region. In addition to the birds, a tortoise and traps used for capturing birds were also confiscated.

As a result of the findings, the authorities have imposed fines exceeding R$ 200,000 on the perpetrators, underlining the strict enforcement of environmental laws designed to protect wildlife. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and the legal ramifications of wildlife poaching and mistreatment in Brazil.