A pre-trial investigation has been completed in the Pavlodar region against a local resident for the illegal possession and keeping of rare and endangered birds of prey. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the investigation, the suspect, who had been a member of the "Kusbegilik" federation and the national birdkeeping team of Kazakhstan since 2017, organized an illegal nursery on the territory of his house in Karaganda. Through an Instagram page dedicated to hunting, caring for and treating birds of prey, he established contacts with people who supplied illegally obtained rare birds of prey from their natural habitat.
During a search at his place of residence, 35 birds of prey were identified and confiscated. Among them were saker falcon, golden eagle and vulture. These birds are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan and belong to the category of rare and endangered animals.
The suspect was taken into custody. By court order, his Toyota 4Runner vehicle was seized. Currently, the birds are temporarily housed at the Karaganda Zoo. After the court verdict enters into legal force, they will be released into their natural habitat.