Live insects, maggots, and even pythons: Lithuanian postal service bans live animals in packages

Live insects, maggots, fishing bait, and even cockroaches have been found in packages handled by Lithuanian postal service SmartPosti this summer. The company emphasizes that while live bait and animal feed are legally sold, they cannot be sent through parcel lockers or standard courier services.

“

Live organisms in shipments cause many logistical, aesthetic, and hygiene problems.

Vaidas Kirkickas, SmartPosti's operations manager in Lithuania, highlighted the logistical, aesthetic, and hygiene issues posed by live organisms in shipments. He explained that even carefully packaged live insects can escape, disrupting parcel processing. This is particularly relevant for items like live fishing bait, such as maggot larvae.

“

Parcel companies' infrastructure is not adapted to transport any live organisms – animals, birds, or fish – whether they are intended for breeding, fishing, or feeding other animals.

Kirkickas stated that parcel companies' infrastructure is not designed for transporting any live organisms, including animals, birds, or fish, regardless of their intended use. Live plants are also prohibited. He recalled instances where SmartPosti employees discovered exotic animals in packages, including a python and a leopard gecko in Lithuania, and a beehive in Estonia.

“

In such situations, there is a risk not only to the welfare of the animals but also to the safety of employees and the protection of other shipments.

Despite the perception that the list of prohibited items might be excessive, Kirkickas stressed that reality proves otherwise. Such incidents pose risks not only to animal welfare but also to employee safety and the integrity of other packages. He also noted that animal cruelty can lead to legal consequences, and the sender may be held liable for any damages incurred.

“

It is important to know that responsibility can be imposed for cruelty to animals, and the costs incurred due to the incident can be recovered from the sender.