A resident of Casa Branca, in the interior of São Paulo, has been fined R$ 55,900 by environmental authorities after being discovered with 21 wild birds illegally kept in captivity. The incident occurred following a tip-off about illegal hunting, prompting an investigation by the Polícia Militar Ambiental (Environmental Military Police) on Tuesday, October 10. The species confiscated included various birds such as two northeastern cardinals and several canaries, which are protected under Brazilian law.

During the raid, authorities also found 18 cages and a trap used for capturing birds, indicating a level of organized illegal activity. Moreover, it was reported that 13 of the birds were showing signs of mistreatment, highlighting serious welfare concerns for the animals involved. The significant fines imposed reflect Brazil's stringent regulations aimed at protecting wildlife and enforcing environmental laws.

Following the seizure, the birds were taken to the Associação Mata Ciliar, an organization dedicated to wildlife recovery, where those in adequate health were prepared for reintroduction into their natural habitat. This case emphasizes the ongoing issues of wildlife trafficking and animal welfare in Brazil, illustrating both the legal repercussions for offenders and the efforts of wildlife protection agencies to rehabilitate affected animals, contributing to broader conservation efforts.