Call for end to rabbit hunting loophole

Rabbit hunting is being used as a ploy to shoot birds of prey out of season, BirdLife Malta claimed yesterday, calling for a halt on the issue of new licences.

In a statement, BirdLife said there had been a surge of over 20 per cent in the number of licences issued for rabbit hunting in the past 15 months, which happened to coincide with the period since spring hunting was first banned in 2008.

With the rabbit hunting season due to start tomorrow, BirdLife said that each year it documented numerous instances of illegal hunting targeting Malta's rare breeding birds during this time.

The problem was further exacerbated by the fact that from June onwards the police were no longer focused on hunting and trapping incidents but were put on other duties such as beach patrols.

Since the spring hunting ban, ornithologists have recorded some species remaining in Malta after the migration period and pairing up in preparation for breeding.

"However, as we saw in 2008, as soon as the rabbit hunting season opens these birds disappear one by one," André Raine, BirdLife Malta's conservation manager said.

"It is utterly irresponsible to allow such a blatant loophole, especially after so much time and effort has been put into ensuring that these birds survive the depredations of illegal hunting during the vulnerable spring period," he said.

Since the ultimate responsibility for rabbit hunting licences and legislation was the Prime Minister's, BirdLife called for a serious review of the current legislation on rabbit hunting.