Limassol man sentenced for illegal possession of protected wild birds

A 32-year-old man from the Limassol district was sentenced on November 6, 2026, to a three-month prison term suspended for three years and a 500-euro fine. The conviction follows a police check conducted on October 30, 2025, at the defendant's residence, which uncovered a significant cache of wild birds.

Authorities discovered 702 plucked wild birds, 13 dead birds (12 ambelopoulia and one thrush), and three live birds in captivity, specifically two goldfinches and one quail. The defendant faced two charges: illegal possession of protected wild birds under the Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Law 152(I)/2003, and illegal possession of game.

In determining the sentence, the court considered the defendant's clean criminal record, his young age, and his immediate admission of guilt during the proceedings. The 500-euro fine was applied to the second charge regarding the live birds, while the suspended prison sentence was issued in relation to the first charge involving the prohibited wild bird possession.