The Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) has said that in recent days, ”hunters in Malta have killed hundreds of turtle doves which are endangered throughout Europe while migrating to their wintering quarters.”
The organisation said that during a check in Mizieb – Malta’s largest forest area – ”our Bird Guards found the remains of more than 60 freshly shot specimens of this globally endangered species yesterday.”
CABS added that ”the animals had spent the night there and had been shot by hunters in the morning when they left their roost.”
”We cannot prove whether they were shot before or after the official hunting quota of 500 birds was reached on Monday,” said CABS. ”One thing is certain: The turtle dove is fighting for survival throughout Europe.”
CABS stated that ”every single dead animal is a bitter blow to species conservation and to the face of the European Commission, which had called on the government in Valletta in vain to restrict the hunting of turtle doves.”
CABS concluded by saying that it will continue to be on site in the coming weeks ”to document irresponsible hunting practices and to take action against illegal bird trapping together with the police.”
Photos: Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS)