Poacher Fined €23,500 for Attempting to Capture a Mouflon Near Paphos

The new hunting season in Cyprus began this past weekend, and the first fines have already been handed out. A man near Paphos has been fined over €20,000 for attempting to capture a mouflon.

According to the Game and Fauna Service, a fine of €23,500 was issued after traps were discovered near the village of Armou in Paphos. The traps were set by the poacher in hopes of capturing and selling the protected mouflon.

Following the discovery of the wire traps, the area was placed under surveillance. The poacher was apprehended early the next morning while checking and adjusting the traps.

During a search, two additional traps were found in the man’s vehicle, and another was discovered at his home. Following his arrest, the man was fined.

The Game and Fauna Service also noted that on August 7th, a complaint was filed against the man for allegedly hunting illegally in the days leading up to the season’s start. During a search of his home, a loaded hunting rifle was found.