1 comment.BirdLife denounces Government proposal to allow amnesty for illegal hunters
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BirdLife Malta in a statement today strongly condemned a Government proposal to grant an amnesty to hunters with protected birds in their collection, “effectively seeing them pardoned for past acts of illegal killing.”
The amendment to the Wild Birds Regulations would allow hunters to declare possession of protected stuffed birds without legal consequence, at the cost of a €500 flat fine plus an additional €50 for each bird; they would also be allowed to keep the birds in their collection., BLM said.
“This contrasts with the current fine for possession of protected species which stands at up to €2500 and confiscation of the specimen.”
Holding a press conference outside MEPA’s Hexagon Building in advance of the Ornis Committee meeting where a vote is expected to be held on the issue, Steve Micklewright of BirdLife Malta said, “the collection of stuffed birds is a major driver of illegal hunting. Now, instead of facing the law, hunters will get to pay a smaller fine and keep the bird in their collection. This is no way of stopping illegal hunting; this is a way to make problems worse.”
Commenting on the Government’s stance on illegal hunting, Mr Micklewright said, “the government has previously declared a zero tolerance attitude on illegal hunting, however this proposal demonstrates a complete acceptance.”
A similar amnesty was held in 2003, and before that in 1998, prompting BirdLife to question their effectiveness. “These continuous amnesties send the message to hunters that they can continue to illegally shoot birds such as eagles or flamingos, because the government will pardon you again in a few years time for a small fee. It’s completely unacceptable.” said BirdLife Malta Conservation Manager, Nicholas Barbara. “In the two previous amnesties, over 400,000 stuffed birds were declared.”
BirdLife Malta concluded by saying that it is calling on the Government to act and ensure that the amnesty is not granted.
BirdLife director Steve Micklewright addresses journalists outside MEPA’s Hexagon Building. Photo by Ella Beeson
As expected with the Maltese Government, they are as usual shooting themselves in the foot, even tough they have the worst blacken image in the whole of Europe. Will see the results when tourists will gradually diminish.