Tripi: Police seize illegal large boar trap in protected oasis

The Metropolitan Police of Messina seized a large metal cage trap for wild boars in the protected oasis of San Cono–Casale Cardusa, within the municipality of Tripi, Sicily. The operation, carried out during a rural patrol, followed a tip from volunteer guard volunteers and was coordinated by the Judicial Section under Colonel Domenico Martino. Investigators confirmed the device was not authorized under the regional plan for African Swine Fever containment and was illegal both for being a prohibited hunting method in a protected area and for being used during the general hunting closure, with an aggravating charge of attempted animal cruelty. This was the third macro‑trap dismantled since the launch of the extraordinary control campaign by the police. The trap was seized and a detailed report forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for validation. Mayor Federico Basile praised the police effort, stating that “the work of the Metropolitan Police shows how essential a constant presence is to protect our territory and its natural heritage.” The investigation continues to identify those responsible.