Kaccaturi San Ubertu (KSU) has said in a statement that it is “dismayed” that after assurances about “legal advise as to how Government can apply a finch trapping derogation this October” this derogation will not be applied this year.

KSU added that “according to the same sources this derogation can be interpreted as Malta taking advantage of the EU at at time of a change in hierarchy.”

The organisation went to to say that that it is “pleased to note, yet surprised, how on the advice of KSU and other entities, the Government found no objection to alter the net size for Song Thrush trapping from 45 mm to 34.” However, it said, “the Golden Plover trapping season has been reduced by two days.”

KSU said that it acknowledged the “heartache felt by all trappers,” and maintained that the Government “should implement the derogation without hesitation and as a right of its citizens no less than that of any other Member state.”

It went on to ask whether all other Member States suspended their derogations during this time of EU change, “since its is clear that everything remained unchanged even where the EU aired its objections?”

The organisation added that it “fails to comprehend how an amended derogation for Song Thrush and Golden Plover trapping is being applied this year and yet that for finch trapping is being postponed.”

KSU concluded by saying that it is “disappointed at the fact that again the Government had to hold back to the detriment of Maltese traditions and thousands of trappers.”

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