House finches, white-crowned sparrows and lesser goldfinches are common small birds found at many backyard feeders in the west, feasting on sunflower seeds and thistle. Recently these three species, plus a kestrel, two green-jays and two northern cardinals were smuggled across the border into the United States in plain brown paper bags to satisfy someone's desire for new pets.
Rene Torres-Juarez, 37, and Aucely Melgar, 39, a married couple from Huntington Park, Calif., were apprehended in late March for attempting to smuggle wildlife across the international border at Paseo Del Norte, Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas. On June 7, a Grand Jury indicted both defendants with one count of smuggling goods into the United States and one count of providing false statements to federal officers. Both counts are felonies and subject to up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. The two are awaiting sentencing.
"These birds are not particularly showy and they are not unique," said Juliana Scully, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Generally people think of exotic species fetching huge sums when they think of the illegal trade in wildlife. It doesn't matter whether the contraband is toucans, eagles or our native birds, it is illegal to possess these species. These ordinary birds are nevertheless protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.?
The eight birds were stuffed inside a duffel bag and were found by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers when they inspected the vehicle. Officers seized the vehicle immediately.
Five of the birds died due to the stress of being confined and handled. The remaining three were set free after testing negative for diseases.
"While the principal mission of Customs and Border Protection is anti-terror, our inspections routinely uncover other violations as well," said Luis Garcia, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations in El Paso. "CBP officers regularly encounter people trying to smuggle prohibited items from Mexico to the United States including birds, reptiles, drugs, food and other items."
The couple had purchased the birds in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
Visit the Service's website at http://www.fws.gov.
