Chinese Man Faces Criminal Charges for Killing 45 Birds with Slingshot
Table of Contents
A man in Jiangsu Province, China, is facing potential imprisonment after being apprehended for illegally hunting 45 protected birds with a slingshot, highlighting a growing crackdown on wildlife crime and raising concerns about online sales of hunting equipment.
A recent case reported on November 8th by the Yangzhou Gaoyou police underscores the severity with which Chinese authorities are now treating even seemingly “small-scale” poaching. What some might dismiss as “just for fun” is now recognized as a serious offense with significant legal consequences.
Extensive Hunting Operation Uncovered
Police from the Ganduo Police Station in Gaoyou City discovered the suspect shooting birds at a provincial highway intersection during a routine patrol. A subsequent investigation revealed a systematic hunting operation spanning several months. Since March of this year, the individual traveled over 50 kilometers along the old 233 provincial highway during his off-duty hours, relentlessly pursuing birds.
Authorities seized a slingshot and steel marbles from the suspect at the scene. A search of his dormitory revealed a chilling discovery: 44 processed bird carcasses, stripped of their feathers, alongside a freshly killed black-feathered bird, bringing the total to 45.
Protected Species Targeted
The Judicial Identification Center confirmed the birds were “three-have” animals – a designation in China referring to terrestrial wild animals that are beneficial, economically valuable, and scientifically significant. Specifically, the black-feathered bird was identified as a myna, while the 44 featherless carcasses were determined to be turtle doves. Each bird is valued at approximately 300 yuan.
According to the newly revised “Wildlife Protection Law” of 2022 and related judicial interpretations from the Supreme Court, illegal hunting of “three-have” animals exceeding a value of 10,000 yuan constitutes a criminal offense. While the total value of the birds killed in this case is still being assessed, the sheer number of animals targeted raises the possibility of a substantial penalty.
Slingshot Classified as Illegal Tool
Although slingshots themselves are not considered controlled instruments in China, authorities clarified that their use in hunting protected animals renders them illegal tools under the law. “The crime of illegal hunting refers to violating hunting regulations, hunting in protected areas, hunting periods, or using prohibited tools and methods, destroying wild animal resources,” a senior official stated.
The suspect’s actions appear to fully meet the criteria for prosecution. He utilized a prohibited hunting tool, potentially operated within a designated hunting reserve in Jiangsu Province, and violated the province’s year-round ban on bird hunting.
Potential Penalties and Increased Enforcement
If convicted, the suspect could face a sentence of up to three years in prison, criminal detention, control measures, or a substantial fine. This case arrives amid a period of heightened wildlife protection enforcement in Jiangsu Province. New hunting ban regulations implemented on March 1st explicitly prohibit bird hunting throughout the year.
A particularly concerning aspect of the case is the ease with which the suspect acquired the slingshot and steel balls through an e-commerce platform. This highlights a critical gap in oversight and the need for increased regulation of online sales of hunting equipment.
A Broader Signal
This law enforcement action sends a clear message to the public: damaging the ecological environment will not be tolerated. As one analyst noted, “This isn’t just about punishing one individual; it’s about establishing a firm deterrent and protecting China’s biodiversity.” The case underscores the growing commitment to wildlife conservation and the increasingly stringent legal framework designed to safeguard vulnerable species.
