Parrots, chickens found being smuggled at Otay Mesa Port of Entry

SAN DIEGO (KYMA, KECY) - Officers found a group of animals suspected of being smuggled at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The first discovery was on April 30, at about 11:29 a.m., officers stopped a 51-year-old man driving an SUV into the U.S. through the Otay Mesa Point of Entry.

Officers asked the man to step out of the vehicle and noticed clothing bulges around the driver's ankle. Six live parrots were found in the man's boots and six more parrots were found near the front passenger seat.

The second discovery was on May 4, at about 11:32 p.m., officers stopped a 26-year-old man driving an SUV into the U.S. through the Otay Mesa Point of Entry.

Officers saw a blanket in the vehicle's trunk and noticed movement under the blanket, which held two cages.

One cage had 16 live parakeets and the other cage had three live chickens.

"The smuggling of birds is extremely dangerous. Birds can also be hosts for a variety of diseases that can threaten native wildlife and U.S. agricultural industries, potentially causing widespread economic
consequences," said San Diego Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki. "Our officers remain vigilant in
identifying and stopping wildlife trafficking and in coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and ensure
traffickers are held accountable for their actions under current wildlife protection laws."

The parrots and chickens were placed under quarantine by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services.

All bird species must be declared when entering the U.S. in order to safeguard foreign animal diseases and to protect animal welfare, according to CBP.