Because the number of blackbirds in some areas is declining, in China, blackbirds have been listed as second-class protected animals, and any illegal killing or trading will face heavy penalties, so blackbirds cannot be bought or sold.

The punishment standard for buying and selling second-class protected animals is: those who illegally hunt and kill rare and endangered wild animals under special state protection, or those who illegally buy, transport and sell rare and endangered wild animals under special state protection and their products, shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not more than five years.