Couple sentenced for poisoning lynx

A COUPLE in Jaen has been sentenced to 20 months in prison and a fine of €115,000 for killing an Iberian Lynx with poisoned bait. 

WWF Spain reports that the critically endangered species was poisoned on the couple’s property in Andujar. The couple can appeal the sentence, but if it is confirmed by a higher court and they are unable to pay the fine, they could be sent to prison. 

Spain and the rest of the EU are investing large sums of money to attempt to save the Iberian Lynx from extinction. 

Guardia Civil from the Nature Protection Service entered a fenced property to locate the lynx’s corpse and gather evidence in 2008. The couple claimed that they did not know who had set the bait.

Using poisoned bait is illegal and can be punished with prison time and large fines.