2 comments so far.Two more flamingos shot down, this time over the sea – BLM
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Birdlife Malta said in a statement today, that “for the second time in less than a week illegal hunters have shot at and killed at least two Greater Flamingos flying off the coast of Malta, this time hunting the protected birds at sea.”
BirdLife Malta said that it also separately received three more shot protected birds recovered at sea over the weekend.
“On Sunday afternoon a flock of at least 60 flamingos was spotted flying low off the coast opposite Maghtab. Within a minute, hunters on a speedboat within one kilometre of the coast were seen shooting at the flock, killing two birds, which fell into the sea and were collected by the men on the boat, BLM said.
Hunting at sea is permitted for 13 species of duck and goose between 1st October and 31st January. The birds that are protected on land are also protected at sea and it is illegal to hunt within 3 kilometres of the shore.
BirdLife Malta said that received three more shot protected birds on Saturday, a Honey Buzzard, a Yellow-legged Gull and a Cory’s Shearwater, all recovered at sea. The Cory’s Shearwater, which was found with broken wings and injuries to its beak, was amongst another three shot dead at sea in the same area. “Fishermen on a boat had earlier spotted three hunters shooting at any birds that flew overhead,” BLM said.
“When the first flamingos were shot at Qawra last Wednesday the ALE had confirmed that they didn’t even have a boat out patrolling and weren’t able to help with retrieving the injured birds from the sea,” BirdLife continued, that it has since”learned that both the injured juvenile flamingos rescued last week and sent to the government veterinary services have since died of their gunshot injuries.”
BirdLife Malta said its teams have continued to witness the shooting of protected birds in several locations around Malta, with Barn Swallows, two Honey Buzzards, a Hobby and a Kestrel all shot at or shot down at the weekend. Video footage of incidents has been passed to the police.”
“On the eve of a general election, hunting in Malta seems to be spiralling out of control on land and at sea. Despite inadequate law enforcement, a trapping season will open within the next 12 days, stretching the already limited ALE even further,” said Nicholas Barbara, BirdLife Malta Conservation Manager.
Photo shows “the shot Cory’s Shearwater found alive amongst another three shot dead at sea in the same area on Saturday. The bird had two broken wings and a shotgun pellet lodged in its beak. It succumbed to its injuries shortly after being recovered.” – Photo Birdlife Malta.
Revolting. Gozo being such a small place, one cannot comprehend how on earth these barbaric offenses can happen and furthermore be left unpunished.
Can it be put down to lack of education & absence of awareness from the criminals or are these people in need of psychiatric help ?
Yes, Sabine they are in need of psychiatric help. Even the FKNK admit that a considerable number of their members are suffering from mental problems. This is so serious, yet the government just ignore the problem and just keep on giving, giving and giving to these barbarians. The barbarians in turn cannot help taking, taking and taking more. That is why the law is broken and so much suffering is caused. A referendum on hunting should be called-keep it or ban it. I know what the answer will be-ban it. Trouble is the politicians are too spineless and are happy to see the countries reputation tainted in return for a few votes. Many hunters and trappers are sick in the mind and it’s worrying knowing that mentally ill people are roaming the countryside with firearms. A threat totally endorsed by the government!!!!!!