Updated: BirdLife demands tough action after ranger's shooting

G.Grech

Apr 19th 2009, 15:43

@Joseph Schembri

Turtle doves & Quail are the only huntable species in fall, you say? That was applicable for Spring and not Autumn! Check your facts before commenting. Thanks.

johnny xerri

Apr 17th 2009, 21:25

@ A farrugia

I use to believe that private land means private so the most environmentalists can do is lobby to eliminate hunters for public land.

Now we came to the point of validity, implying that public land is there for all. That is why it is public. As a hunter consider myself, part of the public. That is why I pay taxes. I already do not have the right to hunt in nature reserves, 200m within inhabited areas, closer than 50mts to a beach and main roads.

That leaves an already large section free for the public to enjoy. Whats more is that the hunting season is just half of the year.

To wrap up, I will only tolerate a birdlife member and respect him if he lobbies for a reserve which is truely such. That implies that if busket is a reserve, no hunting can take place but also not rambling, picnics and the like can take place. If its the bird protection you are after you would have no prob. But its the land that most consevationists are after. and that i will bless exlusion from public land, when i stop paying for public funding through taxes.

john Matthews

Apr 17th 2009, 17:54

@ Joseph Schembri You claim to be an avid hiker, you did not specify where you were hiking. You have also made an assumption. PROOF Mr Schembri PROOF is what is needed NOT assumptions.

Sam Debono

Apr 17th 2009, 14:32

Re:Mr.Salba true what you say but with due respect we are a young generation and what you say is passed history, in the 21st century we treat every outsider or foreginers in my term are equal whtether English,British or German or any other nationality that choose our country to retire,however we got our own laws and also our national sport that should be respected by outsiders and not interfere in anyway in our Maltese affairs, is it too much to ask our guests?

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Apr 17th 2009, 10:50

Mr / Ms A Farrugia, prior to posting comments, you should first learn the difference between poachers and hunters. I assure you Sir / Madam, hunters are a law-abiding lot. I never try to paint anyone as an angel as no human-being deserves that title.

Kenneth Cassar

Apr 17th 2009, 06:47

Just to be clear: Calling all hunters arrogant is just as wrong as calling all Germans so. But is seems that no one gives a sugar puff ;)

A.Farrugia

Apr 16th 2009, 22:53

SZD
As usual your arguments are full of holes.
If the private fields (if they are private as most actually arent) are private and the public ones are public. Then why should I and the general public get a shower of pallets in PUBLIC PATHS AND FIELDS? Why should the PUBLIC paths and fields get a tons of lead poisoning?

No matter how much you try to paint your hunter friends (and I guess close acquantances) as practicing a "harmless" hobby, the upshot will always remain that hunters are arrogant, bullies and I do not care of whose land it is. The hunting hobby has never done any good to the general public to justify it.
How come you try to tell us that hunters are law abiding when there hides arent sanctioned by Mepa ? Law breaking I suppose is in the hunters blood. I suppose the RTOs in public places (which I have had the unfortunate experience to see by my own eyes and checked personally if the place was in fact private - and it was not)
You have too many law breakers to justify your futile effort to paint hunters as angels.

Joseph Schembri

Apr 16th 2009, 21:57

@John Matthews:
While what you say could be true ... the same could be said for the possibility that you are an alien communicating from Neptune. Possible, but highly unlikely! Furthermore what is any sane person doing firing off a shot gun on public land? Further to this I have seen with my own eyes hunters a) shooting from a side walk b) shooting within range of a residential area and c) carelessly firing so that shotgun pellets fall on passer-bys (of which I was one).

S Mizzi:

And gamiem are turtle doves ... which along with quail are the only things you can legally shoot in fall. Also I'm fully familiar with skeet terminology - which just happens to be a sport you should take up if you want to fire your shot gun in the spring time! You reap what you sow (does that one fly over your head?)....

G.Saliba

Apr 16th 2009, 20:50

I have read all these comments and as far as i can see most comments are indirectly pointing their finger at certain British nationals, the subject is suppose to be against or for hunting, yet the British seems to be right in the middle of it. For the life of me i can't undestand why because; well i am in my seventies not many of you remember those dark days, if it weren't mainly for the British and ofcourse OUR COUNTRY FOLK, none of you younger guys would be walking freely with your head held high, please correct me if i am wrong, unless you have no adequate answer to my comment., however it seems that we TOGETHER won the war but it seems that we have lost the peace the way things are developing lately. Live and let live is my way of thinking, but on the subject of hunting, its not really my place to say, but every country got its sports and one of the national sports in Malta happens to be shooting, i have no problems with that as long as everything is done in moderation and within the law its that simple. George Saliba (pensioner)

john Matthews

Apr 16th 2009, 20:03

"Birdlife demands tough action after ranger's shooting"
A fair statement. So far BLM have pointed the finger at hunters. Any sensible person would gladly see the perpetrator brought in front of the authorities. Perhaps this is the time for all concerned to "pool resources" and join together to bring the person concerned to justice.

Melanie Wilberforce

Apr 16th 2009, 19:38

@ S Mizzi

Thank you, one of the reasons I didn't comment on hunting or gun laws in either the UK or Malta is that I do not fully understand them and therefore wouldn't normally want to voice an opinion as I feel it's wrong to base an opinion on things you don't know enough about. Unfortunately whilst the EU and the Maltese government may have reneged it's still a law at present and I believe that people should follow the law whilst it's in place, protest against it by all means but peacefully and be careful about it.

When I first came to comment here it was to wish Mr Vella well, express my disgust that anyone may be persecuting him for doing his job and express my hopes that the police would be able to find out if this was an accident or not and act accordingly to ensure justice is served. People on both sides of the hunting debate often seem to be oversensitive to the issue and I felt the main issue here should be the individual who has been hurt rather than a continuation of an old argument that will likely continue ad nauseum.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Apr 16th 2009, 18:22

Mr R Gatt, you made the wrong guess!! I will be calling you a DREAMER! Wishful thinking for you BUT hunting will NEVER be abolished! And sorry Sir but not all the countryside belongs to all to enjoy. The private part is to be enjoyed solely by the owners whereas the public part is to be shared by these owners and the general public!

Sir, have you realised the hypocrisy in your argument? You started your comment by taking offence at my using "German arrogance" and concluded it by calling all those who disagree with you as arrogant! Well, well, it is me who will not give a sugar puff now!!!

John Matthews

Apr 16th 2009, 17:34

@ Joseph Schembri (we'll soon be on Christian names)
Although you may be an avid hiker, your comment about seeing discarded shotgun shells would not stand up in a court of law..
There is not a proven fact that these shells were used by hunters. There could be various arguments as to what they were doing there, for example perhaps a person has just purchased a new shotgun and wants to know how it shoots(groups) so he tries it out. Perhaps also he has purchased a new batch ot shotshells of a different size(not calibre) and wants to know how they shoot(group). Countless options. This applies to target shooters (clays etc) not just hunters.
I welcome CONSTRUCTIVE critisism but some of the comments are now becoming too personal (NOT directed at you), just a general observation.

John Matthews

Apr 16th 2009, 17:00

@ David Borg Cardona
Thanks for the invite. I think a lot of people lack understanding with regards to other peoples hobbies and sports. I also believe that the Maltese hunter/trappers were betrayed by their own government. Mind you, politicians are like that the world over, promise you one thing and then renege on it.
@ Joseph Schembri
Sorry I omitted your Christion name in error, no offense intended

S Mizzi

Apr 16th 2009, 16:52

Well it doesn't hurt to learn and you'd be pleased to know that summien are known as quail in english. :)
They actually weren't my best two arguments against you but rather afterthoughts. My main message was aimed at correcting the generalised comment you passed with regards to showcase collections.
Look, Mr Schembri, shooting from the hip doesn't help, you need to mount, swing and follow through, though i'm sure this statement flies right over your head.

Joseph Schembri

Apr 16th 2009, 16:30

Mr. S Mizzi,

I honestly do not care what "summien" are called in English ... if those are your two best arguments against me than I am very sorry to say that you do not have a leg to stand on. Since you are so learned in foreign hunting and trapping than you also know that outside of Malta (in North America for example) hunting is closely regulated and you can only hunt in specific areas ... unlike in Malta where any tract of private land, plus our valleys and open spaces are turned into killing zones. Please do not try to convince me otherwise - as an avid hiker the trail of spent shotgun shells I see everywhere is proof enough. Honestly if hunters where the law abiding citizens you paint them to be I am 100% certain there would not be any backlash against your hobby. As it is you have turned into your own worst enemy and are finally paying for it ...

S Mizzi

Apr 16th 2009, 14:46

Dear Ms. Wilberforce,
Rest assured that the hunting controls you refer to are indeed present in Malta. Malta has the strictest hunting laws in the whole of Europe. Malta's main gamebirds are the Turtle Dove and Quail and for centuries, local hunters have had to depend on the Spring migration in order to bag any significant amounts. Remember that there are no resident gamebirds on the island. Although there exists an 'Autumn' passage, this starts halfway through August (closed season) and is over by mid-september. Passing numbers are very scarce and restricted to certain area of the island to which 80% of local hunters have no access.
For these reasons, its been established that an alternative to Spring hunting does not exist in Malta. As such the govt negotiated with the EU and both sides guaranteed continuance of the tradition even after EU membership. We are now in a situation where these promises and guarantees have been reneged and where the EU is saying that Spring hunting is a no-no, whilst all the while turning a blind eye to agreements and to the fact that Spring hunting and trapping is permitted in many EU states under some guise or another.

S Mizzi

Apr 16th 2009, 14:23

Joseph Schembri,

Collections of stuffed birds come from a time were hunting laws were inexistent or lax and some more recent. What is certain is that some years ago the govt granted an amnesty to these collectors and all collections had to be registered. What is now in showcases is today perfectly legal and traceable although one cannot discount the possibility that negligible illegal collections are still being made. But to try to imply that ALL collections of protected birds are illegal by stating that 'Mind you there are only a few birds which can legally be shot at on the Maltese islands' is misleading as 99.9% of these showcases that you 'regularly' saw would be registered.
Also, the mourning dove you mentioned in a previous post is not present in Malta. It can be found throughout North America, it is the leading game bird and 70 million are shot annually. And, for your information, Maltese hunters do not hunt pigeons in Malta either. We do, on the other hand, visit the UK where one can hunt Wood Pigeon all year round.
The anti-hunting lobby's ignorance on birding matters knows no bounds.

M. Cardona

Apr 16th 2009, 12:46

If this was intentional.....wrong horribly wrong WHATEVER the reason behind the act and too be condemned period.
If it was an accident......wrong very wrong period and to be deplored!
Sympathy addressed to Mr Vella!
PLEASE DO NOT USE EACH AND EVERY INCIDENT TO POINT FINGERS ALWAYS IN ONE DIRECTION AND ENCOMPASSING ALL.

Melanie Wilberforce

Apr 16th 2009, 12:18

@ John Matthews

I stated I was anti-hunting without controls in place. Considering that hunting without controls could lower the population of any animal species to extinction and then you can't hunt them anymore I would hope even the really pro-hunting lobby can see the wisdom in these controls. Also I've never mentioned anything about gun control laws in Malta or the UK.

I have always hated seeing certain other British people in countries where I've lived who didn't make any effort to understand the culture they were living in, learn the language of the land, try the local food. The same can be said of people from other countries I'm sure but I'm more sensitised to the Brits being one myself.

Thank you to everyone who seems to have understood my point about everyone being treated as an individual.

Joseph Schembri

Apr 16th 2009, 12:13

@John Matthews:
Yes many, many times. When I was house hunting I would regularly catch a glimpse of the trophy case in a few homes - also some brigantes have their trophy case in the garage. Mind you there are only a few birds which can legally be shot at on the Maltese islands ...

John Matthews

Apr 16th 2009, 11:46

@ Schembri
Not doubting your word but have you actually seen trophy cases containing stuffed protected birds?
Personally if I had a trophy case full of stuffed protected birds, I would keep it quiet in case it could possibly lead to me being prosecuted

Kenneth Cassar

Apr 16th 2009, 10:37

@ Anyone who lumps together people of a whole nation:

A quick reminder: Rudeness, arrogance etc have no nationality. Calling someone "typical Brit" or "German arrogance at its best" is little different from judging people by their race, which we call racism. And if the person using these terms does not actually believe that what he/she believes to be despicable behaviour is "typically British" or "German", why say so?

I'm glad that John Matthews agrees with me on this point, and I'll be one of the first to acknowledge the problems with a policy of sequestration of firearms that he mentions. The issue is clearly not a black or white issue - there are grey areas in between, and valid arguments on both sides.

@ M Borg:

There isn't much to know about illegal hunting other than that it means hunting protected species or hunting in closed season. The rest is all detail. As for any suggestion on the keeping of firearms by the police, both sides have valid arguments, but surely, saying that suggesting the locking up of firearms is like locking up cars, knives or what have you, is absurd, as I have already explained further down.

R.Gatt

Apr 16th 2009, 10:33

So Sylvana Zarb Darmanin has decided that Germans are arrogant. Arrogant are those who pretend that the life of one of God's beautiful creatures, should depend on them. Arrogant are the ones who pretend that the countryside is their's. Arrogant are those cowards who do not let Ray do his job so that they can break all rules and laws in peace.

No to shooting and trapping on defenceless birds. The sooner its eradicated for good the better. Now I'm sure that SZD is going to call me arrogant. You know what, I do not give a sugar puff. As long as nature is left in peace. Ghaqda kaccaturi nassaba u konservazzjonisti. What exactly do they conserve? Maybe Sylvana can enlighten me. I would like to congratulate the Minister for not letting hunters get their way. Next step, abolish hunting and trapping completely. Countryside and nature belong to all to enjoy and not to these arrogants.

David Borg Cardona

Apr 16th 2009, 10:30

@ John Matthews...

My apologies to you personally. You are a rare breed and one of the few Brits who defends our sport publicly on this paper. Such cannot be said I'm afraid for the majority of your countrymen. In any case however the invitation for you to join me on a day's hunting is always open. And thks for clarifying the " hunting / shotgun" issue. As you correctly pointed out, a shotgun remains a shotgun in whoever hands it may be.

Lara Vella

Apr 16th 2009, 08:50

People have the right to enjoy birds alive together with other humans! These innocent creatures shouldn't be murdered - and it is really unfair that this ranger was shot probably trying to defend them. If hunters enjoy shooting down things, then they should shoot down the plattini - not live things!!! hunting should be condemned at all costs! animals are innocent - there is no fun in killing for no reason. besides we are ruining our eco-system. it is impure to do such an act!!

Joseph Schembri

Apr 16th 2009, 08:47

My goodness the hunters have forgotten their blinkers on again! Honestly if the majority of hunters were ever a law abiding lot no-one would have the slightest of problems with hunting. Unfortunately they have acted like they own the countryside and that every flying creature is theirs to kill for the longest time. You can freely enjoy shooting mourning doves and pigeons - as the majority of the population will not mind. We do mind, however, seeing trophy cases full of protected and endangered birds ... which most of the population have never seen in the wild! It's that attitude which has rubbed the Maltese the wrong way and now you are paying dearly for it!

M Borg

Apr 16th 2009, 07:35

@ Mr Woods.

Please note that armed robberries in Malta are actually decreasing at a high rate (see statistics). Also take note that the armed robberries are not the actual 'armed robberries' that they refer to worldwide.

@ Kenneth Cassar.
With all due respect it seems that you know little or nothing about illegal hunting. Firstly may i disagree with you, since if i have a personal belonging (which may be of a sentimental value after all - maybe a gun which was passed over by some late relative) i will never surrender my belongings to anyone else's responsability. Secondly most illegal POACHERS (not hunters) hunt with illegal fire-arms, therefore your argument will not make sense!

@ Clemens Hasengschwandtner
Am sorry for you and for who thinks like you. You are an exremist in our own society. I totally agree with you that 90% of Maltese (and think that even some more) will vote against "violence toward anything and anybody" but don't know from which study you have got your data from. Can you please quote??

@ All OTHERS?
Can Birdlife officially declare it's annual turnover? How many commissions does it get? Where is the money going? ????????????????????????????????????????????

John Matthews

Apr 15th 2009, 22:44

@ David Borg Cardona
Please don't put all us "Brits" in the same light as Melanie Wilberforce.
Personally I would prefer Maltese gun laws implemented in the UK as, in my opinion, the Maltese gun laws are far superior to ours.
e.g Pistol shooting is permitted in Malta, not so in the UK. SO, what does the UK do? bids to host the Olympic games in 2012. Pistol shooting is part of the Olympic games. SO, a person wishing to represent the UK must go abroad to practice (at their own expense) and then get special dispensation to "import" their own firearm from wherever they practiced abroad, to bring it into their own country to represent it at the Olympic Games. If that's not hypocrisy at its lowest I don't know what is. At least you dont have that kind of problem in Malta. I've lost my sport, pistol target shooting, in the UK , so now I have to travel abroad, Malta included, to carry out my sport with a great bunch of Maltese citizens

John Matthews

Apr 15th 2009, 22:27

WHY OH WHY do people call a shotgun a "HUNTING" shotgun? No such thing. A shotgun is a shotgun is a shotgun. If the term "hunting shotgun" is applied, it indicates that the writer has no idea whatsoever about guns BUT with that kind of terminology the finger is pointed at HUNTERS.
@ James Green
What you have said is the most relistic comment so far.

For those of you that advocate keeping guns at police HQ, who is going to be responsible for them and their upkeep. Some shotguns (Purdey , Cogswell & Harrison for instance) costs thousands and thousands of Euros and, generally speaking, the police are not firearms conversant. With the climate in Malta, firearms should be cleaned on a regular basis or they will rust. Likewise if a firearm is touched and not wiped afterwards, it will also rust, the oils /sweat from the skin pores will see to that. The security checks that are carried out by the police are adequate and it allows the gun owner to clean his/her firearms on a regular basis. Remember the police carry out these checks so they are obviously satisfied that the gun owner is a competent person.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Apr 15th 2009, 21:10

Mr Clemens Hasengschwandtner! German arrogance at its best! "90% of Maltese would be against hunting" and "just make any kind of guns illegal - the majority of Maltese would vote for such an amendment - no doubt about it." are presumptuous statements indeed! Sir, your tonality reminds one of a shameful era which is best forgotten!!!!!!!

F Bartolo

Apr 15th 2009, 21:06

Hello Melanie Wilberforce first of all i like your name verymuch, i just like to say although most Brits. that are actually residing in the UK tend to look after their own affairs back in their own coutry which is well and good, but just like football some individuals as soon as they go abroad away from their homeland, they become in a sence God Almighty! they tend to patronize as if we are stupid or backwards and not just in Malta, i met alot of Britains in Aussi,New zealand and also on the continent. The British want everything their way, the British way of doing a job for instance,and unfortunitly people get the wrong impression of the British hence a bad name, because i know please i am speaking truthfully now as i call a spade a spade, the English in particular as oppose to the British are not well liked, and i guess its silly really as you say one can't paint everybody with the same brush, But take football now tell me in the is whole wide world where the English the so called football lovers do behave themselve without causing meiham? singing God save the Queen!!!!!!!

Kenneth Cassar

Apr 15th 2009, 19:04

@ Don Falzon:

Of course you have no qualms. But I guess you would if someone said "you Maltese never change". Think about it.

Kenneth Cassar

Apr 15th 2009, 18:57

@ Don Falzon:

What I am saying, basically, is that I find it rude that someone replies to Ms Wilberforce saying "Brits never change" (among worse things) just because she unreservedly condemned the shooting of the ranger, like any decent person should.

With his reply - by lumping together all British people for the second time - he has proved her right.

Only persons who habitually judge others according to their prejudiced perceptions of some of their co-patriots, can relate to what Mr Borg Cardona wrote.

Is it Brits who never change, or people like Mr Borg Cardona?

P.Zammit

Apr 15th 2009, 18:16

@MMB

You are being rather shallow to justify your "alleged" comment. I never counted them no. What is your point ? So if they were 2K trees or 6K trees, or if it was one man or 5 men uprooting these trees? What value did you add to jusitfying that act by adding the word "alleged"?
You are playing with words, I dare say, typical of hunters trying to mellow a wrongdoing.

Don. Falzon

Apr 15th 2009, 15:51

so what are you trying to say Kenneth...................? i can't quite make it out except that its rude. why is it rude by any chance, people can comment and it doesn't necessary have to sound rude but maybe its the only way they can express themselves i would imagine, but don't take my word for it my friend.Mr. Cardona is just espressing himself in a manner that some people can relate to without sounding rude as you say, i personally have no qwams.

Melanie Wilberforce

Apr 15th 2009, 15:17

@ anti-brit commentators

I'm not saying that there aren't idiots amongst the Brits. I've met quite a number of Brits I don't like, but I've also met people I dislike in every country I've lived in (and I've lived in lots of countries both within and outside of the EU).

My main comment is that people here are tarring large groups with the same brush. You're saying that Brits are all the same. I'm British and whilst I may disagree with the concept of hunting without any controls I'm not going to try and push my ideals onto the Maltese. It's not fair to do so as I don't live in Malta, it's up to the Maltese to decide what is and isn't right for Malta.

You're upset that people always say bad things about hunters as a group, I'm just saying I find it irritating that you've then said something about Brits as a group. It's hypocritcal of you and I'm just trying to point out we Brits are not all the same much as I'm sure not every hunter on Malta is the same. We're all individuals and should be treated on an individual basis.

Raymond Scerri

Apr 15th 2009, 14:09

@Clemens Hasengschwandtner and others of the same mind

"Outlaw guns to the Law abiding citizen and you will provide weapons to the outlaw"

The criminal mind will ALWAYS find means to obtain tools with which to perpetrate crime.

Why should a sportsman be put in the same category as a criminal? Many gun sports are Olympic disciplines. I wonder how criminally bent such enthusiasts bringing honour to our countries are?

Roderick Formosa

Apr 15th 2009, 13:05

Mr, Hasengschwandtner,

i don't think your guess on the referendum is an educated one, there are many sports shooters in malta and your 10% is very offset, i would call your wild guesses.

First off we are an EU country and laws are not made in the way you suggest, this i remind you is not a dictatorship country nor a Police state and if you are use to such systems of government, you should turn back home.

illegal acts should be governed by the rule of law, whether its murder or petty crimes. we do not lock cars in showrooms or government garages because people have been ran over. We have been governed in that way in Colonial times, but this is now a free country where people make their choices and the authorities give licenses to those which qualify. This act should be punished but it does not imply that a legal owner of a gun did it.
Your rash conclusions show little insight and knowledge. I live in Switzerland, i see guns and rifles everyday and i never hear such dictatorial statements as yours.

Kenneth Cassar

Apr 15th 2009, 12:46

@ David Borg Cardona:

Perhaps "rude" is when someone automatically assumes that "Brits" who criticize hunting in Malta would not criticize hunting in their own country. Perhaps "rude" is also when one denies others freedom of speech provided the speech is within the limits of the law. Perhaps "rude" is also when one attacks the messenger instead of the message.

Joseph Cachia

Apr 15th 2009, 12:11

To Clemens: You talk as if you have no hobbies. Whilst we're at it, how about we take away drivers licences and allow a car only on a track and have it locked up in a garage to look at and make fuel illegal to purchase ? Afterall , Malta is too small for all these dangerous cars..and if I'm not mistaken we have 'Cowboy drivers'.
You did say one good thing though.." people owning guns even if illegal just jet a slap on the wrist compared to other crimes " ... with that YES I agree. That should be addressed. Making guns illegal will not make criminals 'afraid' to own one. Correct me if I'm wrong !!!

John B.Vincenti

Apr 15th 2009, 12:07

RE:Clemens Hasengschwandtner
Dear Clemens,

You may have noticed that crime is caused by a person and not by the object. Penalising everyone, because of the unlawfull few won't make the problem go away. As is the case of illegal Drugs, they can be acquired by those who really want them. Banning all drugs, even legal ones, will not solve the illegal problem. On the contrary, the problem will increase.

The proper control of substances and firearms is more logical than prohibition. Read your History and you will be reminded. The nutterr or criminal will not be stopped by these controls. If he/she are bent on destruction or self destruction, they will probably succeed in the end. The prohibition of firearms in the hands of the lawful citizen would not have changed anything.

Miriam Naudi

Apr 15th 2009, 12:01

Here Here Mr.Bartolo. too true i know i lived in England for many years and yet still treated as a foreigner, or at least i still felt like a foreigner regardless of the many years i lived over there, but now thank my lord we are back safe in our country. Miriam Naudi (Gozo)

JF Bartolo

Apr 15th 2009, 11:27

@ DAVID BORG CARDONA..Yes we all agree some called friends from northern Europe we all know who they are:-- well OK* the UK as already been mentioned earlier, tend to come over settling here, ok no problem but please do not patronize us Maltese we are proud of our country and our heritage, we are not used to upper lip arrogance and very rude at that, i know i travel to the UK on business and they don't come on as very friendly when one mentions Malta. i think these people should remember one think we are NOT a colony anymore and have nothing much to do with Britain in that respect except maybe history, however as far as i am concerned you are very welcomed in my country but you people should also know your place just like in England for us Maltese.Take a leaf from the other Guests who choose Malta as the safest country in the world otherwise people like the English or British whatever wouldn't come here in the first place,BUT DO NOT TAKE OVER OUR AFFAIRS THANKYOU, we can manage our sports that has been practiced for many generations just like FOX HUNTING. Good day.

J. Borg

Apr 15th 2009, 11:18

@ Mark Mifsud Bonnici

I had once hoped that you’ll turn to be the catalyst of change within the hunting fraternity – to guide hunters to appreciate they don’t have these islands as their fiefdom and the public are not their serfs.

I regret to note that your comments and “contribution” have been degrading and reaching new lows – including the distortions and lack of objectivity in the ones you have posted hereunder.

Pity.

j caruana

Apr 15th 2009, 10:51

@ Mr Borg Cardona.

WELL WELL SAID. I am glad some people have some MELH F RASHOM. I am sick of these arrogance by some of our "european friends "

David Borg Cardona

Apr 15th 2009, 09:26

@ Melanie Wilberforce..

To be very frank, us hunters are tired of patronizing Brits who continuously write and hammer our media with countless letters against hunting, making it seem that Malta is the only place where illegal hunting occurs. As we all very well know, poaching occurs even in the UK and on a much larger scale than Malta. Only it is not seen due to the vastness of the countryside. Take a look at the RSBP's reports and you'll verify for yourself.
Melanie, I don't really think you know what the word "rude" means.. Rude is when the same holier than thou Brits do not look what is going on in their own backyard and instead they turn up with a petition to our PM to abolish hunting, threaten to boycott Malta by not coming here, trying to free birds from trappers cages during the trapping season, come to live here and try to dictate to us what and how we should do it and post comments on their websites calling Maltese hunters " savages", "barbarians" and what have you. I will repeat myself.. Brits never change do they !

Clemens Hasengschwandtner

Apr 15th 2009, 07:59

shooting and shooting and shooting - just make it all illegal. Face it - if there would be a referendum 90% of Maltese would be against hunting and against guns and against violence toward anything and anybody in general.

Confiscate all the guns, without exceptions. Sports people can keep their registered guns at their clubs, locked up, sign them out and give them back after training. Gun collectors can keep their toys but buying ammunition is outlawed and just impossible.

Malta is such a small island and it would not be too difficult to have a gun free society. At the moment people owning guns even if illegal just jet a slap on the wrist compared to other crimes. Doesn't take much to change that - just make any kind of guns illegal - the majority of Maltese would vote for such an amendment - no doubt about it.

Kenneth Cassar

Apr 15th 2009, 07:26

@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin:

"Mr E Mifsud et al, while at it, we may also deposit all kitchen knives, cars, bottles, etc. at Police GHQ!!!".

Ah, but here is the HUGE difference. It is perfectly legal to use knives, cars, bottles etc every single day of the whole year, unless of course they are used to hurt or kill people.

Hunting guns, on the otherhand, can only be legally used during the hunting season. Why would anyone find a problem with depositing a hunting gun at the police HQ, unless one intends to use it?

Think about it...this idea might actually help uncover those who hunt illegally in the closed season (they would be the ones who do not hand in their guns). I think you will agree that the less people hunting illegally that there are, the better it is for hunters who observe the law.

Ray Woods

Apr 15th 2009, 07:09

I agree with those who say that all acts involivng weapons or violence should be condemned. I disagree with those who say that the use of a firearm against an individual is a minor matter just because a person's injuries are minor. He is a human being.
In my book, it is attempted murder that did not succeed and should not be trivialised.
I am dismayed by almost daily reports of armed robbery in Malta with little evidence of the culprits being caught. This is worse than major Cities in the UK (other than London) or Europe. No doubt like there, drugs play a big part.
It will affect your economy through tourism, property and investment ,because the World is a smal place these days.
Sounds like you need less wardens and more undercover police on the streets.
Ray Woods
www.maltabuyproperty.co.uk

William Green

Apr 15th 2009, 00:11

WE are planning (???)to move to your country for our retirement early next year hopefully,yet we read so many negative comments in the Times regarding this and that or whatever one fancies or decide to moan about which is ok in a way as everyone has the right to express his or her opinion, after all we are living in a democratic countries, but my main objection is why is always the fault of the British, tell me have some of you guys any specific grudge against the British? its always a Britain's fault or the Brits. are always moaning and so on. Have you got a problem with us Britains spending our hard earned cash in your country or is it just plain jealousy that we pensioners can just walk in and live cheaper on our pensions then in the UK. i think now my friends according to the latest recession figures the party for us living in countries such as yours and others in the med. have passed their sell by date, i believe alot are heading back to their homelands.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Apr 14th 2009, 23:31

Mr. P Zammit

Did you by any chance count the trees that were vandalised?

I believe no one ever did. If so can anyone confirm the number as being 3000 TREES.
until then I will refer to the incident as being the "ALLEGED 3000 uprooted trees".

For the benefit of those that follow my writing i would rather refer to concrete facts and not resort to inflated suppositions just to win people's support and their funds.

Has it ever occurred to you how much time it would take to uproot a tree, in this instance a sapling. A minimum of 3 minutes considering one has to walk from one tree to another.

THIS WORKS OUT 3minutes x 3000 trees = 9000 MINUTES OR 150 HOURS OR 6.25 DAYS.

FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED IN A NIGHT IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE WORK OF AN ARMY

AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT NO ONE SAW ANYTHING AND NO BODY EVER GOT CAUGHT.

WHO IS TRYING TO FOOL WHO??

Marthese Mussett

Apr 14th 2009, 22:54

how evil.i was reading about ray vella a while ago on the circle magazine and thought what a dedicated and determined
person.about the vandalism of the trees i always said that the government should have put up a reward of lm5000 for
whoever can give any information.these trees were vandalised by more than one person forsure.so iof just one of these
people owned up.....for lm5000!and where does the govt get this money from?well surely we can sacrifice thje money from
that stupid vat lottery for once!and the person that owns up can give us some names...we make them plant more trees
and then they can be put in prtison where they can think about their actions.As for Mr.Vella I hope they catch whoever
did this to you,and we wish you a speedy recovery

M Borg

Apr 14th 2009, 22:30

something fishy over here!! Are we sure that they are hunters again???? Or is there someone after this poor guy??? Are there any personal matters???

BIRDLIFE.....please investigate before being prejudiced!!!!!

James Green

Apr 14th 2009, 22:03

@ J Borg & Others

If a person cannot be trusted with a gun then logic calls for that PERSON to be at Police GHQ rather than the gun.

A central depository for firearms wherever that may be is a very very dangerous undertaking.

A central gun depository would be way too tempting not to be targeted (excuse the corny pun) by the local and maybe even foreign banditos. More tools for their nefarious trade with excess hardware sold off to their ‘business partners’ for a handsome profit.

And more guns in the ‘God only knows and who has them and where they are’ pool.
All registered guns become ‘unregistered’ in the blink of an eye.

A shuddering thought!

Firearms have gone 'missing' from the court's 'strong room' only to turn up in the commission of a crime.

Finally at the risk of being thought of as politically incorrect, would crime, armed or otherwise, increase, full well in the knowledge that victims are unarmed due to the fact that the latter's guns are at a central depository?

We should be wishing the victim a speedy recovery and the apprehension of the perpetrators with a stiff custodial sentence if found guilty.

johnny xerri

Apr 14th 2009, 21:56

@robert callus:
'If, as I strongly suspect, for obvious reasons, the shooter was a hunter'
Ware your obviuos reasons? Did you or anyone see anything?

Motives, lets say so, induce to a suspect, but clearly not to a decision or obvious reason or certainty.

Let reverse the arguement, extremists birdlovers have been imprisoned in the UK and are now on trial for murdering a hunter .

This implies that yes anyone can resort to extreme measures, even birdlovers.
So if I am in my field in sept LEGALLY hunting and I become a victim of asault.
Would the general public say, 'most probably its an environmentalist'? Doubt it.
Most propably they would say he had it coming for some toes he steped on and they took revenge on him.

What am i trying to say that if an envornmentalist is injured 'it has to be a hunter'
if a hunter gets injured 'it must be something else he got into'

Could it be that the ranger was into something else and that hunters revenge is purely unrelated?

As for democray I cannot say much except that a vote is a mandate to do what you promised and not the opposite.

Melanie Wilberforce

Apr 14th 2009, 19:42

@ David Borg Cardona

You've complained about people lumping all hunters together and blaming them for these incidents and yet you then lump all brits together in a rude little comment. Your comments here do not help your case at all but rather help to turn other people against your cause.

I do not know who did this and hope that the police can find the people/person who did and find out if it was an accident. From the fact Ray Vella has had to deal with so many incidents it seems likely that it may be persecution, in that case I hope the police bring them to justice. Hunter or not if it has been done on purpose it is a crime and the perpetrator's should be punished.

If they are found and discovered to be hunters it will hurt the hunters lobby even further. If anyone knows something I would suggest they talk to the police to help mitigate the outcome. That goes doubly if it was an accident. Of course no-one has to listen to my suggestion...

n xuereb

Apr 14th 2009, 19:30

Yesterday a shop owner was shot at 3 times but the online comments were not even close to the ones hearunder. While condeming the incident, I think we should be more afraid of the ones shooting in our streets than the ones shooting in the countryside.

P.Zammit

Apr 14th 2009, 19:08

MMB. What do you mean by "ALLEGED 3000 uproot trees" ? Issa spiccajna sew. Bhalxejn mhux qed t'allega li r-rih qallhom hux ? Uwejja, ir-rispetta l-intelligenza ta' min qieghed jsegwi kitbitek almenu.

Robert Callus

Apr 14th 2009, 18:54

If, as I strongly suspect, for obvious reasons, the shooter was a hunter (not FKNK) this crime is more than GBH, attempted murder or such. It is using violence to (try to) silence up a person, breaking his right to freedom of expression, as if the perpetrator is above the law.

Apart from being an animal lover, I'm a firm believer in democracy. If the case is as I suspect, such incidents are a threat to all of us law abiding citizens

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Apr 14th 2009, 18:23

I primarily express my condemnation if it is eventually proven that this shooting was intentional.

However, I strongly believe that the incident is being blown out of proportion so that ultimately it will serve BirdLife's hidden agenda. From the reports I have read so far, "slight head injuries" do not warrant for a person to be "rushed to hospital in an ambulance"!

The fact that hunters have been deprived of enjoying the Spring Hunting Season, precludes one from pointing fingers at them. These individuals are forced to stay home as they are unable to go out with their shotguns.

"Mr Vella was previously shot at two years ago." "His small farm was torched last year." Could these imply that there could exist some form of personal vendetta? Could there be some reason that we readers are not aware of?

Finally, I welcome PL's expression of solidarity. However, I would have also been pleased had, PL expressed its views and solidarity with hunters and trappers when these co-citizens had been treated in an inhumanly manner/cheated upon!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Apr 14th 2009, 18:14

Mr E Mifsud et al, while at it, we may also deposit all kitchen knives, cars, bottles, etc. at Police GHQ!!!

Mr & Mrs Sutton, I suggest you stay locked indoors as it is quite risky to roam outdoors in YOUR country. As for myself, I enjoy visiting your country and would never dare be rude to highlight your many problems!

Mr A Vella, the "small section of the population roaming about with guns at 6 am" are definitely not hunters. HUNTERS remain home as the Spring Hunting Season has not been opened.

Mr/Ms L Mercieca, can you substantiate your pluralistic comments of attackS, memberS, workerS? Come on, be a sport and let us have your facts!

Mr Ray Azzopardi, have you actually read all the comments?! I do not think so as otherwise you would not have reached the conclusion mentioned in your comment.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Apr 14th 2009, 17:05

To J. Borg

" simply to safeguard what is left of the Natura 2000 site (after it was vandalised some time ago - no need to elaborate why)."

Substantial funds were donated to the stakeholders of Foresta 2000 after the vandal attack to make good for the damage. In fact the funds collected were not only sufficient to replace the alleged 3000 uprooted trees, but probably enough to start another Foresta.

You comment " what is left of the Natura 2000 site" only serves to undermine the work being done by the stakeholders.

What is left of Foresta 2000 is actually what you make it to be. Certainly funds are not the issue as they are far from lacking neither are donations of trees so stop your nonsense.

Considering the seriousness of this case, I would have expected you venom to be directed at the culprit. Or do I take it that you blame 16,000 hunters for shooting at Ray Vella.

Joseph Micallef

Apr 14th 2009, 16:57

Quoting: "...which is already looks very minor and there was no intention that someone wanted to hurt Mr Vella" - Did I read that correctly? Bruising one's face and ear with gun shot (or a bullet -whatever it was) is described as something trivial!

r ferriggi

Apr 14th 2009, 15:57

although those reasoning that this incident MAY not be hunting related MAY ,,,, have a point.. what is for sure is that it is getting ridiculous and the police should do EVERYTHING possible to catch the culprit who is harrassing and hounding Ray.

whether it is hunting or not hunting-related. this is CRIMINAL.

and a note to hunters lobby - KEEP IN MIND that all these incidents which involve hunting and hunters and guns are not conducive to public support,,,, on the contrary!!!

J. Borg

Apr 14th 2009, 14:36

The recommendation by Ernest Mifsud

'While the hunting season is closed Guns should be deposited at the Police GHQ.' makes a valid point.

However to safeguard shooting (not killing) as a sport - guns can be either deposited at the GHQ or within the premises of licensed and responsible shooting ranges.

Other than that - we do not need any shotguns around on this tiny rock!

J. Borg

Apr 14th 2009, 14:29

Ray Vella was out in the early hours of the morning as a proof of his dedication.....not to any delizzju, perverted hobby, or namur......but simply to safeguard what is left of the Natura 2000 site (after it was vandalised some time ago - no need to elaborate why).

The fact that he was shot at before, had his personal belongings destroyed, and animals he cared for burned in a vile arson attack......and now this......amply shows that personally he needs everyone's support and more importantly the Police and this Government need to get their act together rather than pretending to do something. These sick criminals need to be locked up and pay a hefty price for their acts.

Government & Police DO YOUR JOB please - you are elected and paid to DO SO.

Simon Mizzi

Apr 14th 2009, 14:14

This is the second time Ray was shot at the same place. First time was even a closer call given that Ray's sight was
merely saved since he generally wears glasses. I know Ray. He is a decent man that truly is committed for environmental
conservation.

Ray should be never put in the silly situation of fearing for his life each day he turns up for work.

The police should surely by now be fully aware who is roaming the area for hunting. The police need to sanction some affirmative action. Three times is more than enough.

J.Brownie

Apr 14th 2009, 14:12

Unfortunately haven’t seen enough will to catch the culprits of similar previous shameful acts , the same goes when ‘someone’ savaged the trees of Foresta 2000

Kenneth Cassar

Apr 14th 2009, 13:50

@ Fabian Borg:

Payback for deceptive tactics? This Ranger was only doing his job. Who has he deceived? But maybe you were just being sarcastic. However, in view of the fact that, in your own words, "this can be considered as attempted murder so it is no joke", sarcasm is perhaps a little out of place.

I do, however, agree with you that we should not judge anyone until the culprit is caught.

Anthony Formosa

Apr 14th 2009, 13:50

I Just went through all the incidents that were reported today and what amaze me is that on TWO comments were posted, compared to the Ranger incident. What is going on here? Woman at home robbed, shop owner shot and almost killed, drugs, hold ups and so on, and all we look at is this small incident. May I ask if this was a personal attack and has nothing to do with the hunting issue? I do not know Mr R.Vella, but being attacked several times raises questions, therefore the police must probe Mr R.Vella for any possible personal enemies, and leave the hunting issue out of this.

Forest Ranger shot
Man accused of Zabber hold up
Woman robbed of 11'000 euros
Shop owner shot during hold up
Robber makes off with a van load of domestic appliances
Drug dealer nabbed in Bugibba
Marsa arson attack
Wardens assailants could be jailed.


Can anyone condemn these acts, or is it just hunting that exists in Malta?

Mr.PH. Sutton

Apr 14th 2009, 13:48

Thanks very much Kenneth@ i knew before hand that there would be feedbacks regarding my comment, but that's exactly what its all about, my criticism have actually worked because people in power are now wakening up to reality and that's what Malta needs a positive reaction from people that *fell for it and replied* as you can see from the comments of some who are only interested to what they can get out of it, but you my friend are a true patriot and i take my hat off to you well done Sir. thats what Malta needs a good intelligent and responsible people like yourself. thanks again from the UK>

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Apr 14th 2009, 13:48

The incidents involving Mr. Ray Vella seem to follow a pattern of personal vendetta.

I hope police investigation will lead to the apprehension of this criminal or criminals. Such acts warrant the maximum penalty contemplated by law as they are nothing but a disgrace to civilized society.

Eric Camilleri

Apr 14th 2009, 13:35

I think everyone is drawing too many conclusions, placing everyone and everything in one bag. Let justice be done. Mr Ray Vella will have somehow seen the culprit and will possibly identify him. Once caught it is important that the maximum penalty possible be handed out.
The miserable act of one person has nothing to do with the rest of the community.

Fabian Borg

Apr 14th 2009, 13:32

Someone must really hate this fellow and is paying him back always at this time of the year.
Could be deceptive tactics, who knows ?
It could be anyone and about anything so please STOP drawing conclusions.
Let the Police deal with it. This can be considered as attempted murder so it is no joke and certainly not our field of practice, neither mine, nor of fellow readers who seem to like attacking other people just because they are different. Get a life of your own and let others live the way they want as long as it is within the parameters of the law.

Ernest Vella

Apr 14th 2009, 13:27

I hope birdlife is not pointing fingers again...I agree that actions must be done for we are not a far west but pay attention not to involve anyone without having concrete proofs before...what is wrong is wrong...always.

Kenneth Cassar

Apr 14th 2009, 13:19

@ Mr Ph. Sutton:

Don't worry about it. Not all Maltese people have an inferiority complex that makes them feel threatened when non-Maltese people make comments about Malta.

This being a free country, you have as much right to comment as anyone else.

Instead of insulting you because you're British, locals should recognize that how a potential tourist perceives Malta is important. If anything, comments by potential tourists give us the opportunity to explain ourselves if the perception of us is wrong, or to fix what is wrong in our country.

We would also do well to recognize the fact that it is not Britain that relies heavily on the tourism industry...it is Malta.

I apologize on behalf of the fellow countrymen who have been rude to you, to put it mildly.

Mr.Ph. Sutton

Apr 14th 2009, 12:42

As per usual some Maltese tend to go over the top when reading a negative come, PLEASE READ MY COMMENT BEFORE JUMPING in/HEAD FIRST,which is i must say the downfall of some people who don't look further then then nose, i didn't say that we are not coming to Malta because of a few minor incidents, and YES it is true that Britain is not a place for tourist to wonder about without keeping a vigilent eye on thieves or who ever is roaming about looking for a victim in Britian, thats old news, but Malta is a fresh safe country - now come on sunshine be honest if no one critize then nothing is done, unless the guys complaining got something to hide Yes? so i am on your side me ol' sonner and petty theives are not going to stop us from visiting lovly Malta, just annoyed at some that tend to show their REAL COLOURS when there is a slight negative feedback, i commented for the good of the country not the other way wround, please read and understand the text before replying. . oky dokey T.T.F.N. have a nice day.

Lee Micallef

Apr 14th 2009, 12:35

Following on from my earlier statement just looking through today's Times and look at some of the Headlines >
Forest Ranger shot
Man accused of Zabber hold up
Woman robbed of 11'000 euros
Shop owner shot during hold up
Robber makes off with a van load of domestic appliances
Drug dealer nabbed in Bugibba
Marsa arson attack
Wardens assailants could be jailed.

Thats quite a lot of crime don't you think in a short space of time ?

Simon vella

Apr 14th 2009, 12:29

I strongly condemn the incident and wish Mr. Vella a speedy recovery,and hope the culprit/s are cought, but I strongly condemn people pointing their fingers at someone or other when police are still investigating.
Mr A Vella, unless you are aware the hunting season is not currently open so you cannot come to conclusions that at 6am only a small section of the population is roaming about with guns at areas known to be home for a feathered trophies !you are reafuring for hunters.whoever was there with a gun was breaching the law! even if a hunter so let the police do their work.
I totally agree with Mr David Borg Cardona's comment.
Mr Chris Fenech, if cars are of benefit and guns arn't but were life is concerned I dont see any difference between cars and guns, because life is top priority so the example Mr Borg Cardona gave you is valid 100%.
Phil & Ivy Sutton, Incidents happen everywere and even murders and attempts, thank God Malta has a very low rate compared to were you come from and the rest of the world!

Lee Micallef

Apr 14th 2009, 12:25

I think you are all missing the point that Phil/Ivy are making. they apparantly have been coming to Malta for a number of years and always have felt very safe.Recently as you all must agree (unless you have had your heads buried in the sand ) Malta is having its problems. Im not saying its like Bierut or a war zone etc but whereas once upon a time not too long ago you very rarley heard of serious crime it is a fact that it is on the increase along with other lesser crimes.
My message to Phil & Ivy is still come to Malta but just be a little more vigilant.

Richard Attard

Apr 14th 2009, 12:18

Please stop taking comments by foreingers so personally. We should ask questions ourselves. Unfortunately those things that used to attract tourists such as safety, people's friendly characters and our unique countryside, are disappearing. We must seek to improve our country but defenitely not by removing such things. In this country we lost our priorities and agenda.

Joe Camilleri

Apr 14th 2009, 12:18

Why was Lino Farrugia contacted about this incident? The FKNK hasn't anything to do with it.
Is Lino Farrugia, from now on, is going to be interviewed about every incident that is going to happen in Malta?

Well the answer is that people will be led to belive that hunters were involved.

Also why weren't other NGO's secretaries contacted. Or they do not blame this incident ???

John Inguanez

Apr 14th 2009, 12:13

Phil & Ivy Sutton should rest assured that Malta is much safer than London, or for that case the UK and other European countries. You are always welcome. Not welcome are people coming over to give bad publicity to Malta on the bird question and do not raise any finger on hunting in their country. But I forgot that by doing this you could get EU money!!

C Mallia

Apr 14th 2009, 12:12

If this was not an accident but deliberate, I sincerely hope that this criminal is caught, banned from ever holding a firearm and jailed. Stricter rules and better countryside monitoring especially during these months. Some people are just too sick.

r sammut

Apr 14th 2009, 12:04

This incident is to be highly condemned. As reported on this paper there was another shooting incident. In an armed robbery a shop keeper was also hospitalised with gun wounds! Several shots were fired at him with a small calibre gun!

Wishing both the best of luck and to be out of hospital soon, I wish to condemn all violence. Hope those concerned be brought to justice, soon.

You can collect all registered weapons, and then the only people possessing arms will be the criminals. This is happening in England were the crime rate is rising at an alarming rate. There they have a pistol ban, but criminals still have them.

N.Warren

Apr 14th 2009, 11:31

Dear Phil. & Ivy Sutton - with your same argument then no one should travel to the UK, Italy, Germany et. al due to the homicides/murders caused by shotguns, knives etc... You cannot allow a couple of incidents to influence your coming to Malta. Tourism in other countries would be dead if we all reasoned this way.

On another note I hope that whoever shot at this warden is brought to justice, cuase no one is above the law.

Raymond Azzopardi

Apr 14th 2009, 11:31

David

The only person who made the link between this incident and the hunters here is you. I think that says quite a lot for your faith in your fellow gun toting brethen.

Depositing guns at the GHQ makes no sense due to the large amounts of unregistered guns that there are on this island

lmercieca

Apr 14th 2009, 11:24

These attacks against Birdlife Malta members, workers and property need to be stopped. If we call this a civilised country such acts against NGOs shouldn't be tolerated and pressure made to the authorities to investigate and get those involved to justice.

A.Farrugia

Apr 14th 2009, 11:24

I think at this point, nobody can say it was a hunter and nobody can say it wasn't. Even if it was a hunter, the incident might be unrelated to hunting. Although in that area too many things have been happening. Shots fired in his direction, the pulled trees and the burnt cabin as far as I can recall. Someone really wants to elliminate this person or wants to pass a message about something.

I am against hunting and hunters, but I cannot agree with comments pointing fingers to hunters. In any case, even if it is, this might be 1 hunter or a small group of hunters, so don't think we can blame the entire hunting community.

Anthony Formosa

Apr 14th 2009, 11:16

Whilst the case is still under investigation, many of you are already putting the blame, I recall the last incident where Mr Ray Vella was hit by only ONE pellet, and the media promptly reported that he was shot.

I would rather wait and see what is the outcome of this incident before I make stupid comments, so far he suffered bruises and an injury to his right ear, which is already looks very minor and there was no intention that someone wanted to hurt Mr Vella.

I will leave up to the readers to conclude whether it was an attempt which normally takes at a closer range or an incident that happened from a farther distance.

Chris Finch

Apr 14th 2009, 11:14

David Borg Cardona,
Cars are a benefit to society, guns are not. THAT is the big difference.

Philip Grech

Apr 14th 2009, 11:11

@Phil. & Ivy Sutton
Try Thailand or London!

David Borg Cardona

Apr 14th 2009, 11:04

@ Marisa. Attard.. Bullets ?? gunshot traced back to the owner ??? To make points clear, shotguns fire a lead charge and not bullets. I suggest you take a beginners course in elementary ballistics before assuming that gunshot can be traced to its owner. But being an armchair critic does make commenting so easier at times.

@ Phil & Ivy Sutton... The way you put it, it seems that Malta has the worst criminal record in Europe and that armed gangs are the norm of the day. Or is it maybe your blatant hatred of hunting that pushes to write down unfounded comments like yours I ask ?? Should you maybe not look into your backyard before slinging mud. I prefer walking in the middle of the night in Malta than I do walking in broad daylight in London. But alas.. Brits never change do they..

A.Vella

Apr 14th 2009, 11:03

Surely one cannot directly blame hunters, but I think there is only a small section of the population roaming about with guns at 6am in areas known to be home for a feathered trophies !

Chris Finch

Apr 14th 2009, 11:02

Disgusting! It seems someone or group has a vendetta against Mr Vella. I wonder who and why? Philip grech, such cowardly acts should not be excused. It is very easy to establish if you are shot at.

David Borg Cardona

Apr 14th 2009, 10:54

U mhux hekk.. Blame it once again on the hunters. Why is it that any incidents involving Birdlife and/or shotguns it is always the hunters to blame. Can anyone of the usual pro bird lovers actually point a finger at us hunters in this case. All law abiding hunters & FKNK I am sure strongly condemn these type of incidents. Whilst I express my concern about Ray Vella, I do sincerely hope that nobody passes judgement about this case before the relevant enquiries are completed. We have now had enough about being blamed for any wrongdoing when these events occur, we are not gun toting thugs or some kind of brutal killing machine. We come from all walks of life from the top to the bottom rungs of society like all the readers who comment so unfairly on articles like these. We do not deserve more or less than our fellow brethren. All we want is to pursue what was duly promised to us.

One last word to Edwin Mifsud... Using your reasoning, then with the first hit & run accident we should garage all the cars on the island. U hallina.. Think before you blurt out certain unfactual statements.

Philip Grech

Apr 14th 2009, 10:54

How was it been established that he was shot at? Could it not be that he was hit accidentally by someone who was illegally out with his gun? There is a difference between attempted murder and poaching I think.

Phil. & Ivy Sutton

Apr 14th 2009, 10:53

Is Malta still a safe country to visit for our twice yearly vacation, whats happening to the little island, we are not so sure anymore whether to choose Malta or look for a safer country to visit. It seems that anarchy is setting in lately! Is a shame to get a bad image. Phil&Ivy/-Grimsby

Manuel Mifsud

Apr 14th 2009, 10:52

This incident is even worse than the destruction of some 3000 small trees at the same place a few years ago. Whilst giving our full support to Mr. Vella, a clear message should be sent to the perpetrator/s that these acts of cowardice would never be tolerated on these islands.

S. Azzopardi

Apr 14th 2009, 10:51

Pretty soon we will have people saying that this was self-inflicted, that a certain thuggish section of the population has nothing to do with it and the fact that it happened in the peak migration season is purely coincidence.

*sits back to wait for the apologists*

n xuereb

Apr 14th 2009, 10:51

Whilst condemning the incident I reply to Edwin Mifsud by saying that not all guns are used for hunting. There are hundreds of different types of guns; cartridge, pellets, air, black powder, you name it. While some are used for hunting, others are used for moving targets such as clays, or fixed targets. Nowadays there are numerous clubs in which practice shooting and competitions are held.

Marisa Attard

Apr 14th 2009, 10:51

I fully agree with Edwin Mifsud. I hope the bullet or gunshot is traced to the perpetrator and justice is done. Why was the ranger alone? I hope he recovers and is soon well.

M.Attard

Apr 14th 2009, 10:41

I agree completely with Edwin Mifsud. I also hope that the bullet is found and traced back to the gun owner. Too many trigger happy people roaming these islands. Conclusion: Why was the ranger alone?

Edwin Mifsud

Apr 14th 2009, 10:35

While the hunting season is closed Guns should be deposited at the Police GHQ.

EPMuscat

Apr 14th 2009, 10:24

What a disgrace.

Anthony Gatt

Apr 14th 2009, 10:12

Disgusting. I hope that the perpetrators be brought to justice tout-de-suite. I think it's about time that wardens received proper self-defence and tactical training as well as that they be issued with protective gear to avoid putting their lives at risk.