Warning over 'continued infringement' of EU birds law

BirdLife yesterday insisted that, contrary to popular belief, Malta has never been granted a hunting derogation from the Birds Directive during the breeding season and that the continuous infringement of the directive would lead to serious repercussions.

The organisation warned that the government must outlaw spring hunting immediately rather than continue pleading for allowances in the interest of the few and to the detriment of many. Failing this, it risked having the country taken to the European Court of Justice.

BLM president Joseph Mangion said that Malta was clearly abusing the Birds Directive to try and allow spring hunting.

"The EU never approved spring hunting in the accession treaty - the only concession given was to allow trapping of seven species of finches until 2008," he explained.

BirdLife welcomed the advice given by the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament recently to reject the government's request to permit spring hunting in the face of continued abuse.

The committee said there was substantial evidence that illegal hunting of many bird species continues on a widespread basis.

"This is in the interest of the Maltese public. Given the fact that Malta opened a spring hunting season again in 2006 for the third time since EU accession in 2004, it has knowingly and persistently infringed Community legislation. The consequences for national legislation that privileges the few will be borne by the Maltese public, a majority of which is in favour of a ban on hunting," Mr Mangion said.

BirdLife referred to a poll in a recent survey in The Sunday Times, which showed that 63 per cent of the Maltese are in favour of a total ban on hunting.

It expressed its commitment to work against any delays aimed at prolonging illegal hunting practices in Malta.