During the late autumn of 2024, the Malta Ranger Unit said it reported to the Gozo Police that a man was illegally keeping unringed finches at his property in Gharb.

The MRU said that the Police affected a search which gave a positive result.

This week the man appeared in the Gozo Court, where he admitted to all charges and was sentenced to a €500 fine and suspended from obtaining a trapping/licence for 2 years.

The Malta Ranger Unit expressed its thanks to the Gozo Police for the work carried out in this case. “We hope to see more such positive outcomes when we report going forward,” said the MRU.

It went on to say that “during the Spring migration, the illegal trapping (season being closed) will be peaking and we urge the Public to report any trapping activity you may see when out walking in the countryside – We are reachable via WhatsApp 7937 8118.”

The Malta Ranger Unit concluded by saying that it will increase the Gozo patrols, “since Gozo still has no Environmental Protection Unit Police even after three years of reminders to the Government.”

Photo: MRU

Permalink: Gozo: Man convicted of illegally keeping wild-trapped finches – MRU