Even when smugglers are caught securing prosecution is difficult. In a recent case it took two and a half years to get the case to court and when convicted the man only received two years. It is in the act of smuggling that the real tragedy lies. Robust larger birds such as parrots have a better chance than most of surviving transportation but for smaller birds such as finches the mortality rates are high. If you have any suspicions make a bee line to your local police station - every force has a wildlife liaison officer who you can approach Take a moment to assess the bird's composure, if it is a wild bird that has been caged it may be distressed or depressed in a confined space or unhappy with human handling.
Trade journals are where many of the illegal birds end up being advertised for sale.
Inspectors found nets stretched between trees which trap birds and leave them dangling by their legs or wings for hours. Others were left stuck to perching twigs coated with glue. Illegal trappers then collect the birds and sell them, or use falsified leg rings to make them appear captive bred. These are just the tip of the iceberg, as most of the victims will never be discovered. We want to stop these crooks and scoundrels who threaten our wildlife.