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Date Published: 25/10/2021
ARCHIVED - Disciplinary action to be taken for the first time in Murcia bird electrocution case
The individual responsible for the deaths of six eagle owls in the Region of Murcia will face criminal charges
Unfortunately for many bird species in Spain, death by electrocution is not uncommon as many electrical companies and private landowners don’t put the necessary safety measures in place.
However, the owner of a high-voltage power line is being taken to court over the deaths of at least six birds and could face disciplinary action: a first in the Region of Murcia.
The electrical line is located in the Sierra del Buey, Jumilla, and, according to the report filed by the Environment and Urban Planning Office of the Superior Court of Justice (TSJ) in Murcia, the electrical line in question has caused the deaths of at least six Eurasian eagle owls, a majestic nocturnal bird species which is found across most of Europe.
Back in February 2021, the problem was brought to the attention of the courts by the environmental and nature groups ANSE and Stripa.
The High Court in Murcia found that the owner of the line had not carried out the necessary security measures to keep wild birds safe from electrocution and his case has been passed on to the authorities in the municipality of Jumilla, where he will be presumably charged with crimes against the environment and/or fauna.
According to data from the Autonomous Community, almost one thousand birds have died in Murcia in the past eight years, including 300 eagle owls. Hopefully, this court ruling will prevent further deaths as electricity line owners realise that they could face disciplinary action if they are found responsible for unnecessary bird electrocutions.
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