Target: Daniel Scioli, Secretary of Tourism, Environment and Sports of Argentina
Goal: Secure swift prosecutions, lifetime bans from wildlife possession, and full restitution after authorities reportedly recovered 55 protected birds and gear allegedly tied to illegal dog racing.
Authorities in Argentina reportedly dismantled an operation that threatened native wildlife and animal welfare. During coordinated raids in the town of Los Berros, officers reputedly recovered 55 protected birds — including great kiskadees, red-crested cardinals, diucas, goldfinches, and long-tailed meadowlarks — along with more than 70 cages, traps, and carriers. Investigators also reportedly seized items linked to illegal greyhound racing, such as muzzles and a modified bicycle frame. These details, as reported, point to a network that profited from wildlife trafficking and cruel contests.
Wildlife trafficking rips birds from their habitats, causing stress, malnutrition, and injuries during capture and transport. Many fail to survive confinement or to readapt if released. Ecologically, the removal of native species disrupts food webs, pollination, and seed dispersal, undermining regional ecosystems. Illegal racing paraphernalia, as described, signals additional organized cruelty where animals are forced into dangerous contests.
Argentina’s national and provincial laws already provide penalties for the capture, commercialization, and captivity of native fauna. To ensure meaningful deterrence, enforcement must be visible, consistent, and paired with sanctions that remove offenders from access to animals. Given the seriousness of the reported seizures, this petition urges robust prosecution, lifetime bans on owning or handling wildlife, mandatory surrender of related equipment, and restitution to cover rehabilitation and rewilding costs.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Scioli,
We urge your office to coordinate closely with San Juan authorities to ensure the strongest lawful response to the Los Berros case in which officers reputedly recovered 55 protected birds and seized equipment allegedly tied to illegal greyhound racing. The described conduct — trapping native birds with dozens of cages and purportedly preparing animals for illicit contests — signals organized cruelty that damages ecosystems and subjects animals to suffering.
Please support vigorous prosecution and request penalties that include lifetime prohibitions on possessing, keeping, trading, transporting, or breeding wildlife; forfeiture of all equipment and proceeds; and full restitution for veterinary care, rehabilitation, and release efforts. We further ask for enhanced inspections, targeted surveillance of reputed trafficking corridors, and public reporting that tracks outcomes in similar cases to reinforce deterrence.
A firm, well-publicized outcome will protect Argentina’s native species, uphold the rule of law, and demonstrate that organized cruelty — whether through alleged trafficking or illicit racing — carries decisive consequences.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Bernard DUPONT
