Five netted in poaching raids

FIVE MEN were arrested on Thursday during a raid on poachers in Paphos, Larnaca and Limassol, with help from the Game Fund, according to police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos. 

He also announced that more checks will be carried out today and throughout the whole of the hunting season, which begins tomorrow.

The 28, 36 and 52-year-olds arrested in Paphos were charged in writing and released.

In the three premises searched by police four nets, four MP3 players with bird sound recordings, a rabbit iron trap, 31 black caps (ambelopoulia) and five hunting rifles without licences were found, among other poaching paraphernalia.

In Limassol a 53-year-old and a  36-year-old were arrested and charged in writing after police seized five live rabbits, five live partridges and 96 lime sticks.

During random checks on vehicles that took place in Larnaca police found and confiscated a cool box containing 36 birds. The Game Fund will look into whether these birds are protected or not. 

Police plan to intensify checks in hunting areas, as well as areas where hunting is not permitted focusing on ravines especially where due to the nature of the soil, game may try to hide, said Katsounotos.

“Hunters are called on once again to take all the necessary safety measures to avoid any accidents and comply with police and Game Fund regulations, for their own safety and the safety of other hunters,” he said.

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