Wildlife Crime Busted: Three nabbed in Bury for illegal breeding and selling of endangered African grey parrots. Police and RSPCA swooped in a major raid, rescuing 25 protected birds and smashing a wildlife trafficking ring.
Massive Parrot Trafficking Ring Crushed
Police in Bury launched a major probe after intelligence tipped them off about illegal trading of precious African grey parrots. These stunning birds are highly coveted in the illegal pet market and are protected under global wildlife laws.
The investigation ended with a dawn raid on a Bury town centre property, where officers uncovered the operation running wild under the radar.
25 Parrots Rescued in Stunning Haul
The RSPCA teamed up with cops to snatch 25 endangered African grey parrots from captivity. Experts from the World Parrot Trust warned that such large-scale illegal breeding devastates wild populations of these clever birds.
Three Arrested, Facing Serious Charges
- 33-year-old woman
- 30-year-old man
- 29-year-old man
All three suspects are held on suspicion of money laundering, with wildlife trafficking charges looming. Meanwhile, a separate raid in Heywood uncovered stacks of incriminating evidence, including financial records, illegal breeding logs, and forged permits.
Wildlife Trade Under Threat
Conservation experts stress that parrot smuggling remains a top threat to endangered species. TRAFFIC, the global wildlife monitoring group, highlights that the illegal pet trade continues to drive many parrot species towards extinction.
RSPCA Steps In for Bird Welfare
The rescued parrots are now in safe hands, receiving expert care from the RSPCA with proper facilities in place to ensure their recovery. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing with more breakthroughs expected in this high-profile crackdown.
This operation deals a serious blow to illegal wildlife trafficking in the UK – a big win for conservation and animal welfare alike.
