In a series of interventions coordinated by the **Rural Police of Mendoza**, along with the **Biodiversity Directorate** and the **Ecoparque**, illegal activities related to wildlife trafficking were dismantled and a critical case of animal abuse in the departments of **Las Heras and Maipú**, province of Mendoza was addressed.
The procedures included **seizures, arrests, and judicial measures**, in compliance with **National Law 22,421** on the conservation of wildlife.
Protected bird trafficking: three operations in Las Heras
The species “siete cuchillos” was seized at different points in the department.
Agents carried out three specific actions against the **illegal trade of wild birds**, focusing on the capture and keeping of **siete cuchillos** specimens, a **protected species** by current regulations:
– **First operation**: on Los Pescadores and Acceso Norte street, a cart with two men was intercepted, one of them with **pending judicial measures**. One siete cuchillos specimen was seized, and both were apprehended.
– **Second operation**: on San Martín and Fernando Fader avenue, an **artisanal trapper** with another specimen was detected. The person involved could not prove the legal origin of the bird and was taken to the **Iriarte Sub-Police Station**.
– **Third operation**: on Rosa and Recuero streets, a cage with another specimen was seen hanging on a fence. The owner claimed ignorance of the law. **Public Prosecutor’s Office No. 1** ordered the seizure and corresponding proceedings.
Animal abuse in Maipú: rescue of a critically injured horse
The horse had multiple injuries and lacked health documentation.
In the **Buenos Vecinos** neighborhood, the Rural Police and the **Special Patrol Unit** responded to an **animal abandonment** report.
Upon arrival, the authorities found a **male horse, bay dappled coat**, with **visible wounds on its legs, chest, and rib area**, as well as **low hoof on one limb**. The responsible person could not provide **ownership documentation or equine health booklet**.
The horse was **preventively seized** for veterinary evaluation and placed under **judicial custody**. The woman will face **animal abuse charges**, as determined by the **Maipú Prosecutor’s Office**.
Institutional coordination and current regulations
The operations are part of preventive and judicial actions to **protect wildlife**.
The involvement of organizations such as the **Biodiversity Directorate** and the **Ecoparque** was crucial for the **identification, transportation, and safeguarding of the animals**.
The public prosecutor’s offices of both departments supervised the judicial and administrative measures, reinforcing compliance with **Law 22,421** and other regulations on **responsible ownership and animal welfare**.
