A representative of the Polish Border Guard and the National Treasury Administration (KAS), Justyna Pasieczynska (Justina Pasečinska), reported on Thursday that the birds were transported in a suitcase, most likely sedated with tranquilizers to prevent noise.
“The veterinary examination revealed that most of the animals were injured. The birds had broken wing and tail feathers, and one had a broken leg,” she said, adding that despite urgent care, one parrot did not survive.
The remaining 19 parrots were handed over to an animal shelter, J. Pasieczynska indicated.
According to the KAS report, 16 birds belong to the genus of Australian rosellas (Platycercus), and four are African ring-necked parrots (Psittacula).
Both of these genera are protected under European Union regulations corresponding to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention (CITES).
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Transporting such animals without the appropriate customs declarations and CITES documents carries a penalty of imprisonment from three months to five years.
Transporting animals in improper or cruel conditions carries a penalty of three years imprisonment.
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