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 someones desire for new pets.
Rene Torres-Juarez, 37, and Aucely Melgar, 39, a married couple from Huntington Park, Calif., were recently sentenced for smuggling wildlife across the international border at Paseo del Norte, Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas in March.
Aucely Melger was sentenced in U.S. District Court for smuggling goods into the United States and Rene Torres-Juarez was sentenced for misprision of a felony, or withholding knowledge about a felony. Both parties were charged a fine of $1,000 each and were placed on probation for three years.
"It is very important that people understand that even these ordinary birds are protected by federal laws," said Juliana Scully, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "While these birds may seem like they would make great pets, it is against the law to possess them."
The eight birds were stuffed inside a duffel bag and were intercepted 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.
Visit the Services website at http://www.fws.gov.
