Friday, 19th September 2008 - 17:14CET

Protected birds shot down in front of birdwatchers - BirdLife

BirdLife Malta said this afternoon that hunters were shooting protected birds, even right in front of international and Maltese birdwatchers who were participating in BirdLife Malta’s Raptor Camp.

"A pale-phase juvenile Honey buzzard was recovered by police from Wied iz-Zurrieq at sea on Thursday. The internal gunshot injuries were so severe that the bird had to be put down. This morning BirdLife received another shot Honey buzzard with gun shot injuries while ALE officers collected a third shot Honey Buzzard from Laferla Cross where a Raptor Camp team was present. In addition, this afternoon four poachers in a boat in Gozo channel were seen shooting at a party of Little Egrets. The sea hunting season is currently closed and will open in October."

BirdLife said the increasing number of incidentscoincided with the half-way point of BirdLife Malta’s Raptor Camp, which started on Saturday.

The aim of the initiative is to have teams of birdwatchers monitor key sites to assess the numbers of birds passing through the island and to work with the authorities to clamp down on illegal hunting.

Tolga Temuge, the Executive Director of BirdLife Malta, said: “Typically, some Maltese hunters continue to display a disregard of the law and protected wildlife by opting to gun down protected species. The hunting lobby’s denial of the scale of illegal hunting is clearly encouraging illegal hunters. Those who claim to be law abiding hunters are also guilty if they do not report the illegal shooting of protected species that they witness”.

The conservation organization called on the government to double the fines for repeat offenders and cancel the licences temporarily.

Previous article • SOS Malta Award for Volunteering launched
Next article • Strong take-up of HSBC bond issue

Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

J Pace (on 21/9/08)

I agree with you Mr. I Tanti. The fact that FKNK has been so quiet about all this could mean that 1) it is very much aware that all these hunters are obviously continuously breaking the law and 2) it also might have lost yet more control over its members!

A. Tanti (on 21/9/08)

In every sports/hobby, the organisation/federation that represents its members is held responsible for illegalities that are carried out. For example, in football, if some (that means there will surely be responsible supporters who don't vandalise anything) vandalise property in the stadium or outside, the CLUB IS HELD RESPONSIBLE. In our village feasts, if some drunken idiot starts a fight, the BAND CLUBS ARE HELD RESPONSIBLE. For some reason, the authorities are afraid to apply this method when the FKNK are involved. Could this be because the authorities are afraid of their bully-style approach? If this is not the case, I cannot understand why the FKNK is never held responsible, especially since its main goal seems to be the denial of the fact that we have a problem with illegal hunting!
In Malta, illegal hunting depends on the number of protected speices that come in Malta. If few birds come, then illegal hunting is not rampant, but if many birds come, well, go to Siggiewi/ Fiddien/ Delimara/ Tal-Virtu.... and then you can answer this question yourself!

Ivan Attard (on 21/9/08)

@Roger Vella Bonavita
Has anyone ever suggested a national referendum on whether hunting should be allowed or not? Malta and Gozo belong to the people as a whole not to any particular interest group.

I would concur that since no National Referendum on whether ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION should be tackled with any concrete and tangible results has been proposed (i.e. not accepting any more of them with determination) and which is FAR more serious and threatening to our country - then no National Referendums about bird shooting should be contemplated.

...after all dear Mr Bonavita does not our dear island belong to all of us? Maybe not anymore.

Joanne Spiteri (on 21/9/08)

The vast majority of the Maltese are sick of this. If the government
is weak in tackling the hunting community then he should leave this
very urgent matter in the hands of the Maltese people and call a
Referendum against all kinds of hunting - being for birds or hare.

Should the Referendum turn out a Yes vote then this problem will be off the government's hands as he would have to abide by the people's wishes.

Joseph A Borg (on 21/9/08)

@ wilfred buttigieg- i sort of concur, but the public should be behind them. This used to be a divisive issue up till a few years ago, nature lovers and environmentalist lobby is growing stronger and within a few years, hunting in Malta would turn into old lore of traditions lost… So may I add my passive voice against the hunting lobby. If i may add a point though: I'm sure that hunting in Malta is very representative of the rest of Europe, we're just a smaller country and hunters annoy us more than they do in England, Greece, Spain, Italy or France

Roger Vella Bonavita (on 21/9/08)

Has anyone ever suggested a national referendum on whether hunting should be allowed or not? Malta and Gozo belong to the people as a whole not to any particular interest group.

Jeremy j Camilleri (on 20/9/08)

Brilliant counting SYlvana Zarb Darmanin...Now about the Lino Farrugia incident?

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin (on 20/9/08)

Mr. James, first of all, you could not have been present at all the places you mentioned, so I believe that your information was gathered through third parties. I can assure you that at Imtahleb there were NO SHOTS after 3.00 p.m. My family and I were present and we DID NOT HEAR ONE SINGLE SHOT!! I have always condemned illegal hunting and the sooner these offenders are brought to justice, the better. We must accept that the problem is not hunting but the poachers. Our aim must therefore be to eradicate these illegalities.

Mr. I. Borg, please illuminate me as to how you brought up 5 birds to thousands. Maybe, I could use the same manner to inflate my bank account!!! And by the way, my name is Sylvana Zarb DARMANIN, Sir.

Stefan Sammut (on 20/9/08)

The authorities should remove the license and punish the hunters involved. Due to these "kind" of "poeple", unfortunately we are gjven a bad name and known as creul internationally! How can you shot on such a majestic bird? Who says that he shots to eat these birds for eating is all BS! They shot for the meer passion of killinjg! Those times are now over!

Joseph Ellis (on 20/9/08)

Disgusting. It is clear that law enforcement in this area is not successful. I wonder whether there is the political will to stamp out these illegal practices. It may well be that the powers-that-be have their eyes on the forthcoming European Parliament elections and are giving the hunting lobby a free rein to make up for the ban on spring hunting.

A political consensus on this issue so that a small minority would not hold the country to hostage would be most welcome.

R Muscat (on 20/9/08)

Further proof that the only solution is a TOTAL BAN ON HUNTING and destruction of all their firearms. It is quite obvious that these hunters have no intention of abiding by the law and have literally shot themselves in the foot!!!!

l borg (on 19/9/08)

TO MS SYLVANA ZARB
THE LIVING PROOF THAT PROTECTED BIRDS ARE SHOT IN THOUSANDS IN MALTA
THESE WERE SHOT IN FRONT OF THE CABS
GOD KNOWS WHAT GOES FROM BEHIND

Mae Zammit (on 19/9/08)

Late last week at around 8 pm, I heard a big thud in my back yard and when I went to see what it was, I found a bird (didn't know what it was as I am ignorant to their names) obviously injured as it had shot at by some 'nature loving idiot'. It took me some time to get hold of the Birdlife telephone number and when I did they were on the spot within 15 minutes. The heron was in a bad way and I was told that they did not think they could save it.
Can someone please tell me how a person, meaning a human being, can actually find pleasure and satisfaction in shooting and killing a beautiful and defenceless creature of God? It is beyond my comprehension.

Ernest Vella (on 19/9/08)

I was taught to respect private proverty. I am against illegal hunting but also against those who enters in my property to watch only birds...Arrogance are not only the hunters but also birdlife members and "tourists". In my land you will be catched with the appropriate education measures: "Aqbzuli l-Barra"

ALBERT FENECH (on 19/9/08)

A typical Malta Story. An Only in Malta story where the might of the gun and total disregard of the Law reigns uppermost as it does in almost every sphere of our daily lives. As innocent citizens the only thing we can do is grin and bear it. The not-so-innocent continue to rule sway and dictate our existence. Law and Order, justice, democracy and EU Membership are just a farce.

carmel james (on 19/9/08)

this afternoon, a few hours ago, a large number of birds of prey were seen over the Maltese Islands. Most of these were 'trapped' here due to the storm that is looming up right now.

Hundreds of Honey Buzzards and Marsh Harriers gathered in flocks and were looking for places to roost. As expected shots were heard from various parts including Rabat, Imtarfa, Dingli, Mtahleb, Wied Qirda, Siggiewi. And this when hunting is prohibited after 3pm.

A few years ago days like today would end in whole massacres as was used to be witnessed at Buskett. Thankfully these days are gone due to more police presence. But the most hardened hunter never give up. The urge to shoot honey buzzards is still there for some hunters.

Its not easy to catch these hunters red-handed and I feel the rest of the hunters should do their part. I am certain that most hunters are sick of these poachers.

And to the pro-hunters: stop this campaign of 'birds out of the freezers' 'birdlies' 'fabrications' 'half-truths' 'foreigners' and so on...it is backfiring. History will repeat itself. Remember the eighties. You are repeating the same mistakes.

Wilfrid Buttigieg (on 19/9/08)

Is there no politician who has the guts to react to this insane situation??? Does Austin Gatt need to do this job too??? Where is the moral spine of politicians??? Double the fines, take away licences indefinitely, do anything that is required to stop this massacre. At this stage there is no reason left not to be radical with these lawless hunters who are caught shooting at this time of the YEAR. Legal/Politicial changes and action is required - RADICALLY

victor vella (on 19/9/08)

Yesterday evening I was on a roof in Siggiewi admiring the view, all of a sudden I saw a honey buzzard circling the sky , it was huge it was gracefull and it beutified the scene.Why o Why murder these beutifull birds.

Ray Bajada (on 19/9/08)

All the cases mentioned in this article are absolutely to be condemned and since Birdlife and / or CABS have witnessed them, then they should be able to help the Police to prosecute these poachers. However, it would be of great interest and fair towards readers, if Birdlife / CABS quote not only the illegalities which can be counted on one's hands but ALSO quote how many hundreds of hunters they have encountered / watched which have observed the law. The article recounts 4 illegal incidents today but I'm sure there were at least 4000 hunters out there!!! By the way, these poachers or cowboys , call them whatever you like; will not be stopped by banning all hunting because they broke the law now already. With regards to the FKNK, I don't remember even one instant when it incited illegal hunting; if yes please quote.
In my opinion hunting is there to stay and the only way to eradicate illegal hunting is through collaboration between Government;FKNK and Birdlife and not through confrontation.

Mark Mifsud (on 19/9/08)

Its now more than obvious that the hunters are unable to regulate themselves. The first step should be an immediate closure of this year`s hunting season. Following which there can only be two options if the government means business:

1) Ban hunting completely.

Or

2) Approach CABS and offer them a year-round job protecting our countryside. Needless to say that the wages of these friendly spies shouldn't come from government coffers but from substantially hiked up hunting license fees. Since its obvious that many hunters are too trigger happy they should be made to pay for the German spies to babysit them!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin (on 19/9/08)

This talk about banning all hunting and placing the fault on FKNK does not hold water. This is like:-

- placing responsibility on the Chief Justice regarding a couple of Judges and closing the
Courts;
- placing responsibility on the Archbishop for the wrong-doings of certain priests and closing
the Church;
etc., etc.

And then, on whom would we place the responsibility for the Prime Minister's and MIC's false assurances to hunters?!

Mr. Michael Vella, and Dr. Francis Saliba do you consider the above misdemeanours as accidents? I do not think so. Therefore, I suggest you comment "realistically or best keep quiet"!

Mr. Vincent Galea, whose theory are you quoting?!

Mr. M. Vella, the First Court sentence differed from that of the Appeals Court. It was a case of misinterpretation of the Law. Mr. Lino Farrugia was never accused of illegal trapping.

Mr. Jeremy J. Camilleri, have you never hear of that English saying? Just the same, look at your 5-fingered hand and try pointing a finger - the thumb will not be facing you - 5 less 2 (thumb and index) = 3!!

laurence schembri (on 19/9/08)

It`s the same old story. We will never learn. We do not appreciate beauty. Our members of Parliament are so damned fond of their seat, they will not lift a finger or condemn illegal hunting, it means votes. Shame on you all.

Farrugia Mario (on 19/9/08)

I am against illegal hunting, but it is stupidity to just consider ban on hunting. This is a crime like all other crimes and those responsible have to pay for disobeying lawful orders.
I also believe that this thing also happens in many EU countries.

mario nicholas pace (on 19/9/08)

I live in siggiewi and as usual we are experiencing indiscriminate hunting of birds, especially near Tal Providenza chapel ,Laferla cross and tal hesri valley.I will ask just one question to these people: Dont you have any remorse when you shoot these birds? I was brought up to love nature and to take care of it. Obviuosly these people do not know the meaning of love and respect towards nature. I just dream that one day we will not hear any gunshots anymore in these islands.

J. Borg (on 19/9/08)

ms. Zarb Darmanin
'law-abiding' hunters have been out hunting as well when similar abuses have occured, it's a pity that the criminals they witnessed were not identified to the police. Let's all work together - rather than retaining the 'spies' tune of Mr. Farrugia - so that we clean Malta from these criminals.
Mr. Formosa
pls - this 'socio cultural' claim does not draw any sympathy. Just state that you want to hunt non protected birds that are edible during the hunting season & hours, and within areas that do not pose any danger to others.

Alex Ellul (on 19/9/08)

Stop the massacre: It will hurt a lot of illegal hunters who seem to be in the majority of the hunting fraternity and save a lot of endangered birds.

Franco Farrugia (on 19/9/08)

Hunting should be banned! Altogether! And immediately. And let them attack however many towers and other sites they want to!

Jeremy J Camilleri (on 19/9/08)

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin...Lino Farrugia was fined 300 Euros for breaking the law....

Here's the link..

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080825/local/fknk-secretary-fined-over-kercem-incident/

Does that mean that I have three fingers pointing back at me...

Ps..Are we on the simpsons...because well...we usually have 5 fingers...so doesn;t that leave four pointing back?

As for the article, I am not surprised, I witness illegal hunting every time I go on a bike ride during hunting season(well, even when the season is closed).
Whilst I agree that the police should be left to do their job, I know countless people, myself included, who have called...eh....they never turned up...

Now, whilst not ALL hunters are breaking the law, I am waiting for the hunter's federation to issue a statement accusing bird life of downing the birds etc etc...

Now if they were to condemn this killing, that would mean that I was wrong on half of the subject...

Michael Vella (on 19/9/08)

@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mark Sultana's point is that instead of taking action against these criminals, Lino Farrugia and the rest of the FKNK are coming up with absurd excuses. If i am not mistaken a member of FKNK was only recently found guilty (in our maltese courts and on appeal) of obstructing the police who were trying to stop illegal bird trapping. This shows that they are indeed partly responsible the slaughter of these protected birds!

Dr Francis Saliba (on 19/9/08)

@ Anthony Formosa

Traffic fatalities are accidental and unintentional. Shooting protecetd birds is a deliberate offence.

Michael Vella (on 19/9/08)

@ A Formosa

Driving a car or taking any form of transport has become a necessary part of people's everyday life, where occasionaly people die in unfortunate ACCIDENTS. Hunting is a hobby where birds are killed for the FUN of it! I hardly remember seeing a bird shot by accident...do you??? If you want to compare things, make them realistic or best keep quiet.

Michael Vella (on 19/9/08)

The government should give the FKNK a warning which if not heeded will result in the closure of the hunting season. I am sorry for the law abiding hunters, but hunters should look after their own hobbies by reporting these illegalities to the relevant authorities. Failure to do this will result in ALL hunters having to stop for yet another season. I wonder why the FKNK have remained silent lately. Maybe they should stop fabricating brilliant comical stories about frozen birds to finally take some action or at least a strong stance against illegal hunting.

As for you illegal hunters, i hope you are caught and prosecuted. I also hope the authorities increase the maximum fines and introduce prison sentences for people who are caught repeatedly killing protected birds. That might finally teach these poeple a good lesson.

patrick mifsud (on 19/9/08)

we are fed up of these news. everytime there is the hunting season we always get the same news and pictures. give us a break please!!!!!

Vincent Galea (on 19/9/08)

Animals were not made for human beings anymore than humans were made for animals.Almost no animals kill like humans do for the sake of killing, but of course, plenty of cruelty in the animal world both locally and abroad takes place.This moment we are going through an extinctions pasm, caused by pollution, habitat degradation and animal and species elimination
There is one doorway to spiritual excellence that is open 24 hrs a day every day of the year.This is the doorway to nature, the most ancient of spiritual excellence doorways.

T Mifsud (on 19/9/08)

I think the government needs to put its foot down and throw responsibility to FKNK by closing the season indefenitely until FKNK round up the perpetrators themselves. After all the secretary himself said that a minority are illegal. And also they very well know who they are.

After Mr Lino Farrugia's call that "trouble is to be expected", there seems to have been a surge in illegal hunting. The government will be directly failing the public if it does nothing serious, such as closing the season, to address this situation.

Anthony Formosa (on 19/9/08)

I fully condemn any illegal hunting, but please let the police to do the job, there are many illegalities happening in our daily lives and poaching is not an exception. However Birdlife must be honest for once to inform the EU commissioner not only with these few incidents, but also that autumn is not and can never be an alternative for our socio cultural spring hunting.
Such incidents happen all over the world mainly to exterminate them, as they are predators to other birds.

@ John Grech, Regarding the Ban on all hunting, then we should also ban all driving after the first car fatality, this way we can rest assure that using bicycles will avoid weekly deaths on our roads.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin (on 19/9/08)

Shame on these irresponsible hunters! I expect that these individuals are brought to justice. It is the police's duty to do so. The law-abiding hunters should not suffer because of these few irresponsible ones.

Ms/Mr E Schmidt, we have our own Courts of Justice, remember?

Let us not start mixing things up. Accusing Mr. Lino Farrugia of illegal activity reflects badly on the contributor. Remember, when you point a finger at someone, three are pointing back at you! What is your argument, sir?!

Chris Borg (on 19/9/08)

shame on them....but I don't think that a whole group should be blamed for the actions of individuals within that group. I'm not a big fan of collective punishment....

@ Ms Schmidt.....well Malta, or rather our govt., could be brought in front of the ECJ....but these hunters, it's quite improbable........

mark sultana (on 19/9/08)

No surpise at all. It was bound to happen like this with lino and others claiming that illegalities were low and boasting they would cause trouble to those seeking to help on the lcampdown of these illegalities. Lino you are responsible for this in my opinion. So are those who are in power and seem to be doing nothing. The majority will surely support a total ban., it's the only way this obscenity can be controlled.

Ray de Bono (on 19/9/08)

Once again I fully support the fellow European birdwatchers as they have helped not just in day-to-day operations, but to create more awareness about the long standing crime of indiscriminate bird slaughter that has been going on for decades...Let’s hope logic prevails and future generation of 'hunters' learn to respect the law... we need more European direct help now, to safeguard not just birds, but the entire environment too…

fred sultana (on 19/9/08)

hope these so called spies are filming everything... and somebody is taken to court and punished kif imiss!

Ellen Schmidt (on 19/9/08)

INCREDIBLE ! They should be taken to court! EUROPEAN court please ! That might teach them a lesson!

Joe Dimech (on 19/9/08)

I bet these honey buzzards were shot to be eaten. Oh and where is our dear friend Lino Farrugia, trapping illegally or maybe preparing his campaign for the European Parliament elections.

Same old story. These people never learn. Just like bus drivers, they think they are the kings of the countryside. Time is up. Spring hunting is already gone and now Autumn too. Enjoy it while it lasts...

John grech (on 19/9/08)

BAN HUNTING ALL TOGETHER BEFORE IT'S TOOOO LATE!!! SHAME ON HUNTERS!!!

Protected birds shot down in front of birdwatchers - BirdLife

Comments

Poll

Fun Stuff

	14 °C
Mostly Cloudy Feels like: 11.3°C UV Index: 2