Momentum has voiced its deep dismay at the Ornis Committee’s decision to approve a proposal to reduce illegal hunting penalties.

It warned that “this action undermines years of progress in Malta’s environmental protection and wildlife conservation.”

Katya Compagno from Momentum said, “this decision effectively weakens the deterrents against wildlife crime at a time when illegal hunting remains widespread and enforcement is already alarmingly insufficient. It sends the wrong message to offenders that breaking the law can be negotiated away, especially when backed by powerful lobby groups.”

She went on to say that “this is not just about ‘proportionality’ but about responsibility. First-time offenders who violate hunting laws are not harmless hobbyists; they choose to break clear, established regulations designed to protect Malta’s vulnerable bird populations, many of which are migratory and protected under EU directives. Diluting consequences for such actions signals a broader erosion of environmental standards, particularly concerning Malta’s ongoing EU infringement procedure over enforcement failures in bird protection.”

Matthew Agius added, “even more troubling is the Environmental Resources Authority’s contradictory stance by voting against a hunting-free buffer zone around schools while supporting reduced punishments for illegal hunting. This inconsistency not only jeopardises public safety but also undermines the credibility of our institutions.”

Momentum called on Hunting Minister Clint Camilleri “to reject this proposal outright.”

File photo by BirdLife Malta of an FKNK captive-bred Barn Owl found illegally shot

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