North Belle Vernon man cited for having 27 songbirds in cages

A North Belle Vernon man was cited for having 27 songbirds in cages at his home last month, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Warden Douglas Bergman.

Canh M. Truong, 43, faces 27 counts of unlawful taking and possession of protected birds, a summary offense.

Game wardens found the songbirds, including sparrows and cardinals, in three cages at his Henry Street home on Sept. 5, Bergman said.

“Any wild bird … anything that’s not listed as game birds” is considered a protected bird under the law, he said.

The birds were released on site.

“Songbirds, you can’t capture, you can’t possess,” Bergman said.

In addition to state law, songbirds and other winged creatures are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. That covers hundreds of species, including swifts, hummingbirds, falcons and eagles.

Truong, who could not be reached for comment, faces a fine of between $100 and $200 on each offense plus court costs and fees if found guilty. A summons was issued. No court action had been scheduled, according to online court records.