Pleven authorities confiscate protected owl from private property

The Regional Inspectorate on Environment and Water (RIOSV) in Pleven has confiscated an owl that was being illegally kept on private property. The discovery was made during a joint inspection with the Pleven Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior following a report.

The owner failed to provide documentation verifying the origin or acquisition of the bird. As the owl is a protected species under the Biological Diversity Act, an administrative violation has been recorded. The bird appears to be active and in good health. Pending the finalization of the seizure act and subsequent measures, the owl will be housed at the zoo in Lovech.

Under Bulgarian law, the possession, breeding, and trade of protected species taken from nature are prohibited. Violations can result in fines for individuals ranging from approximately 51 to 2,556 euros, while legal entities may face fines up to 5,112 euros.