BirdLife Malta and CABS today welcomed news that had been reported recently that the government is considering adopting tough regulations through which hunters convicted of illegalities would face a lifelong ban.

The joint statement said that If adopted, these regulations would be a serious improvement over current legislation which sets a minimum fine of LM100 for first time offenders and LM200 for repeat offenders. Maximum fines of several thousand apply in both cases.

“Two recent cases highlight the problems with the current legislation. Last Wednesday a person previously apprehended by the ALE for possession of 10 dead protected birds received a fine of €2,000 from one magistrate. Another magistrate the day before imposedt a fine of €500 to a person for illegal possession of 70 dead protected birds, including vultures, eagles, kites and other rare birds protected under international law,” Birdlife and CABS said.

“In both cases the fines were issued within the parameters of the law. This shows that the law is too ambiguous and allows for large differences in sentences.”

Birdlife and CABS said “Many fines issued are mere slaps on the wrist. Hunters and trappers convicted of illegalities are often back out in the field a short while later; such as two brothers who have been reported seven times over the past 24 months by BirdLife Malta and CABS, for illegal trapping of protected species in Zurrieq.”

CABS spokesperson Axel Hirschfeld sees the adoption of the reported regulation as a positive step, “This change would send a clear signal to hunters and be a significant deterrent, representing a real legal milestone for bird protection on Malta.”

“However, this regulation has been reported as relating only to poaching of protected species and hunting out of season – many other types of illegalities that are committed on a regular basis are reportedly excluded.”

BirdLife Malta and CABS said they “emphasize that the law needs to set out more severe minimum sentences for all hunting and trapping offences. Furthermore hunting licenses should be permanently revoked for all serious hunting and trapping contraventions.”

BirdLife Malta Executive Director Paul Debono said “This spring has shown that there are many hunters who will break the law if they feel they are not being watched. This shows that the legal system is not working as a deterrent. We urge government to adopt a zero tolerance policy for all illegal hunting and trapping.”

“The reported change in regulation comes after Birdlife Malta and CABS recorded an increase in the illegal targeting of protected birds during this years spring hunting season. According to unconfirmed reports the changes will be adopted in the coming days, and a request for confirmation of the reports has been sent to the Office of the Prime Minister,” Birdlife and CABS concluded.

Photo – Honey Buzzard, recovered on the 2nd May with gunshot injuries and handed over to the authorities for rehabilitation. Photo by Nicholas Barbara.

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