Federal Highway Police rescue 584 wild animals in Pernambuco

The Federal Highway Police (PRF) rescued 584 wild animals during a routine inspection on the BR-423 highway in Iati, Pernambuco. The animals were being transported illegally in the cargo bed of a pickup truck, hidden beneath crates of fruit.

Officers discovered 555 wild birds in cages and 29 tortoises in a box. The bird species included galos de campina, tico-ticos, azulões, and papa-capins. A 29-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were detained at the scene. The driver, who has been detained four previous times for similar offenses, stated the animals were purchased in Canindé de São Francisco, Sergipe, to be sold in Caruaru.

The animals were transferred to IBAMA for care and eventual release into the wild. The suspects were taken to the Garanhuns Civil Police Station and may face charges including wildlife trafficking, receiving stolen goods, animal cruelty, and criminal association.