Hunters fined

A hunter who shot a ruff, a species that can hunted in autumn but which is protected in spring, was yesterday fined Lm200 by Magistrate Anthony Vella.

Carmel Fenech, of Mosta, was found in possession of a turtle dove and a quail, species that can be hunted in spring but he was also in possession of a ruff on March 29 in Gnejna.

Jimmy Caruana, of Burmarrad, was fined Lm200 on being found guilty of shooting within 50 metres of a main road in Burmarrad last April.

Caruana, who escaped at the sight of the police, leaving the shotgun behind him, was also found guilty of disobeying police orders and with abandoning his weapon.

Clifton Borg, of Ghaxaq, was fined Lm150 and had his hunting licence suspended for six months on being found guilty of hunting during the close season on March 23.

Mario Bezzina was also fined Lm150 for hunting during the close season on March 19 and Mario Azzopardi, of Birzebbuga, was fined Lm150 for hunting without a licence last April.

A number of other hunters were fined Lm50 each on being found guilty of having bird callers or illegal-sized lead shot.

Police Inspector Alexander P. Miruzzi prosecuted.