Opting out of spring hunting law questioned

The reputation of Maltese hunters has had another battering with an article in this week's edition of The Economist featuring bird shooting and illegal hunting in Malta.

Under the heading No More Maltese Falcon, the article points out that with spring approaching thousands of birds will flock to the island, but "sadly, as every year, many will not leave alive".

It adds that since time immemorial, hunters have trapped, killed and eaten migratory birds on their way to and from Africa. Songbirds have long been trapped and caged for entertainment or as pets.

While Malta has become more image-conscious as its EU entry draws near, the article questions the government's decision to opt out of an EU law protecting birds from spring hunting.

"The shooting of turtle-doves and quail will continue through their migratory season. Nor will only these two species suffer, for Malta has a long record of illegal hunting," it says.

The article also delves into the hunters' attitude to see stuffed birds as trophies; the rarer the better.

"Eagles, swans, flamingos, golden orioles, honey buzzards and falcons are prized specimens. Swallows and swifts are mere target practice. Such is the passion for shooting that speedboats are used to hunt birds at sea," it continues.

The article questions why the government is appeasing just 16,000-odd registered hunters, who make up only four per cent of the population.

"In its accession talks, admittedly, it tried to please both hunters and greens. Concessions were made: trapping is being phased out. But the big problem lies in enforcement," it said.

It acknowledges that the police trying to catch those who kill or trap protected birds are hugely outnumbered.

"Only if hunters are caught shooting birds other than turtle-doves and quail in the spring might the EU re-examine this particular Maltese exemption."