Approximately 900 birds, including pheasants, pheasant chicks, and ducks, were culled, and 1,400 eggs were destroyed at a location near Tjele, Viborg, on Tuesday. The action was carried out by authorities due to the illegal keeping of poultry, according to Police Commissioner Mads-Peter Jeldtoft Larsen.

Police officers, accompanied by officials from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, executed the operation at two addresses near Tjele early Tuesday morning. The presence of numerous birds and eggs being kept without authorization prompted the intervention.

According to reports and observations, suspicions arose regarding the legality of poultry keeping at the mentioned locations. The authorities arrived at the addresses around 7 a.m., confirming the unauthorized presence of the animals.

Mads-Peter Jeldtoft Larsen stated that the birds were culled through gassing, and the eggs were destroyed. The disposal of the culled birds and destroyed eggs, totaling approximately 900 and 1,400 respectively, has been completed.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration oversaw the veterinary aspects of the operation. The culling was deemed necessary as a veterinary precaution to prevent potential outbreaks of avian influenza, as removing the animals from the site was prohibited.

Central and West Jutland Police have indicated that the owner of the illegal game will face charges for violating their deprivation of rights. Penalties for the violation range from a fine to imprisonment for up to six months. Further details regarding the identity of the suspects are currently being withheld by the police. The operation at the addresses concluded at 2 p.m.