Two men were arrested in Poland’s Opole Voivodeship after killing four protected swans during a hunting trip, claiming they mistook the birds for geese.
Incident and Investigation
On September 20, a report was made to the Namysłowo police about the illegal killing of four swans during a hunting trip in the Gmina Pokój, Opole Voivodeship. Police were immediately dispatched to the scene, and a criminal investigation was launched.
The police interviewed participants of the hunting trip and conducted procedural actions. Forensic technicians secured the dead swans, as well as the firearms and ammunition used by the men.
Charges and Penalties
The two arrested men were charged with unlawful killing of birds under strict protection. They face up to three years in prison. The men admitted to the charges but refused to provide explanations.
The law on animal protection in Poland states that those found guilty of animal cruelty can face up to three years in prison, and up to five years in cases of particular cruelty.
Legal Consequences and Protection Status
The court may also impose a fine ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 PLN, a ban on owning animals, and a ban on practicing a profession if the crime was committed in connection with its practice.
Swans in Poland are under strict species protection, and killing them is treated the same as animal cruelty under the law.
