A central China farmer has been jailed for 13 years after being convicted on two charges of illegally purchasing and selling state-protected swans and their meat.

Zhang Yuelin, from Henan Province, was also fined 50,000 yuan. The People's Court of Lingbao City ordered the seizure of 3,000 yuan worth of illegal earnings.

Zhang, 48, who has a junior middle school education, was a resident of Wendong Village of Xiyan Township, Lingbao City.

The court heard that in October and November last year, Zhang repeatedly went to Puzhou Township in north China's Shanxi Province and bought 38 dead swans and one kilogram of swan down from Zhao Naishun, a resident of Puzhou, and another fisherman who was identified only by the surname Chen.

On his return, Zhang plucked the dead swans and hid them in the backyard of his house. He later sold 37 of the carcases, receiving 3,000 yuan.

The court concluded Zhang, who knew swans were listed for state protection, broke the law by illegally purchasing and selling more than 10 of the birds.

"Zhang's case is very serious and should be punished accordingly," read the court's ruling.

Both Zhao and Chen were dealt with separately.

Source: Xinhua