Update with Government’s reaction: Birdlife Malta, in a statement today said that it “strongly believes that Parliament Secretary Roderick Galdes’ position is becoming untenable after collaborating in the organisation of an event promoting the killing and stuffing of birds and animals.”

“It is deplorable that the person given the remit to safeguard animal rights has gone so far as to promote taxidermy, an act considered despicable throughout the world,” BLM said.

BirdLife Malta stated that, “it is disgusting that even animals protected by international law were exhibited including rhinoceros and elephant tusks.”

“This event was morally and ethically wrong and having our country’s government representative for animal rights organise, endorse and participate in this deplorable event is shameful.”

The exhibition, which was organised by the Malta Taxidermy Federation in association with the Secretariat for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Welfare, among others, was held at Buskett.

BLM added that, “while this event could also be declared as illegal since it was organised in a Nature Reserve which prohibits people to be in possession of birds, it surely goes against the values of love for nature, preservation or conservation.”

“On the same day that BirdLife Malta organised a family event at Foresta 2000 encouraging kids to plant trees and observe the beauty of nature alive, Hon Glades was standing next to those who promote enjoying dead animals,” BirdLife Malta stated.

BirdLife Malta called on the Prime Minister to stand by his words following the referendum, “that he will lead a more environmental conscious Government.”

Government statement:

Reference is made to a statement issued by BirdLife “which included several inaccuracies,” Mr Galdes’s Secretariat said.

“The activity in question was intended to inform the public on various aspects including falconry, the hunting dogs of Malta and hunting, crafts and demonstrations. The exhibition of taxidermy was just one part of this activity, and all birds have been certified as legal.”

It added, “contrary to how the statement tried to give the impression, the rhinoceros and elephant display described by BirdLife were of plastic and fibreglass to be used as decoration.”

The only assistance provided by the Secretariat for this activity concerned timber stands with the Wild Birds Regulation Unit to use as an educational stand, it said.

“The Secretariat will never support illicit activities and the drastic reduction in the cases of poaching in the last two and a half years are testament to the commitment of the Government, while safeguarding traditions, it will not offer any shelter to abuse and crime in this sector.”

“The Secretariat supports all educational activities including initiatives by BirdLife in their educational role,” it said.

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