Beak and toe trimming, and other atrocities. How birds are illegally killed in Poland

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026

Illegal bird killing in Poland ranges from traps and hunting mistakes to pond poisoning, highlighting conservation issues.

πŸ”— Read the article on wyborcza.pl


[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Illegal killing and mistreatment of wild birds are significant issues in Poland, ranging from deliberate cruelty to accidental deaths during hunting. Some bird enthusiasts intentionally harm raptors out of revenge. Furthermore, illegal trapping methods using live traps are available for purchase despite regulations. The most pressing problem identified by experts is the illegal culling of protected species during hunting, often due to misidentification or lack of knowledge. While some argue for measures like gas treatment of geese in places like the Netherlands, ornithologists counter that Poland’s geography differs and suggests alternative solutions such as state compensation. International issues include Italian hunters illegally killing numerous birds, including protected ones. Statistical analysis shows a high percentage of identified species on hunting photos are protected. In contrast to Polish figures, Italy has very high bird mortality from both shooting and trapping for food or bait. Illegal killing also occurs at fish farms, where owners often kill various species beyond those legally permitted, sometimes poisoning them. Experts call for better oversight by regional environmental directorates and nationwide studies to accurately assess the scale of illegal bird deaths on these farms.


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