BirdLife launches international campaign on Malta spring hunting

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Jan 20th 2010, 13:03

Franco Farrugia, yes one is expected to respect the rights of hunters to practice their PASTIME within the parameters of the law AND NOT according to the likes or dislikes of any individual. You know where intelligence is lacking? When one wishes to deprive others of enjoying eating game and then himself resorts to eating chicken, rabbit, fish and meat! Or shall we call this hypocrisy?!!!

Johnny Xerri

Jan 19th 2010, 21:08

@ Paul Barrett

Please note that turtle doves and quail are absent in autumn just because they take a different route. Just like birds do in the UK and other countries. If you have a good bird information guide you will be aware that certain species are present all year round in Europe whilst, some are spring migrants, some are autumn migrants and some are winter migrants.
This is not restricted to doves and quail. Thrushes, starlings, skylarks, plovers, moorhens, woodcocks, snipes, lapwings and duck, which can be encountered in limited amounts in autumn are never seen in spring.

Franco Farrugia

Jan 19th 2010, 21:05

So, animals in danger of extinction have a right to live; other animals, including birds, of course, do not have a right to live their natural lives .... such is the intelligent remark of none other than Mark Mifsud Bonnici.
And Sylvan Zarb Darmanin will have us sacrifice the lives of thousands of birds every year on this rock alone, in order to protect the 'pastime' - pastime, she says, hark! ... pastime!!!!!!! - of the hunters. At the expense of so many birds' lives! And we call ourselves 'intelligent'. Like hell we are!

Fabian Borg

Jan 19th 2010, 17:45

Just another Question. Why does BLM provide a picture of a Female Marsh Harrier(protected 365 days a year), which seems dead as the eyes are clearly closed, when the whole argument of Spring Hunting rotates around Turtke Doves and Common Quail ?
Furthermore the Marsh Harrier in the picture seems in very good condition. This means it did not spend days hidden or lost at the mercy of the elements and various saprophytes which can be found on our island like ants,rats,mice etc which would have damaged it easily.
How these guys manage to obtain such dead - fauna astonishes me.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Jan 19th 2010, 13:02

A. Farrugia, just because you do not agree with legal hunting, this does not mean that you can deprive the Maltese hunters from enjoying their pastime within the parameters of the law! I do not agree with many things YET I know how to respect others as long as the law is adhered to. The person you are defending, Franco Farrugia, seems to imply that once he is against hunting, this should be banned. Democracy at its best!!

Farruga A

Jan 19th 2010, 12:04

@MMB
Just because it is a legal practice by millions, does not mean that people like Mr. Franco Farrguia or myself need to agree with your "hobby". Analogy: Capital punishment is legal in a number of countries. I will never agree with it. Bull fighting and giving a slow painful death to the bulls (as you do to birds) is legal in Spain, I will never agree with it. Whaling (for scope of science - yeah right!) is legal in Japan, I will never agree with it.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Jan 19th 2010, 09:31

Franco Farrugia

You make it seem as if only Maltese hunters shoot birds.

You could be against this practice, but do not expect to be taken seriously in any of your comments even more so when the shooting of birds is a legally regulated pastime practiced by millions.

If you were to direct your comments at the illegal persecution of protected species you might start making sense. If not, I'm afraid your extremism will always receive condemnation and your chance of ever achieving any recognition - extinguished.

John Borg

Jan 18th 2010, 21:50

@Paul Barrett
You wrote 'The reason that there is a shortage of these two birds in the Autumn season could well be that if you kill the parents before they breed, they and their offspring can hardly fly back during the Autumn. The common sense approach would be to let them breed and then there would be more to hunt in the Autumn - simple logic really. '
So, with your common sense approach, how can you explain that each following year turtle doves are more abundant in Spring than in Autumn? Even the ECJ knows the answer (and with scientific evidence) but of course you don't, because you are writing about a subject you really know nothing about, SIMPLE LOGIC REALLY!

Franco Farrugia

Jan 18th 2010, 20:33

I sincerely augur that Birdlife would remain focussed in its beneficial mission in favour of the dignity we should have on the life of animals, particularly birds. No effort must be spared in bringing to the attention of one and all the plight that birds are going through, at the hands, and guns, of Maltese hunters and trappers.

Johnny Xerri

Jan 18th 2010, 20:17

@ E Azzopardi

It works both ways,

I have many connections from international hunting forums in the UK, Italy, France and many other EU countries, who know the pressure that BLM is making on government. BLM is pressuring government to break democratic obligations, since spring hunting was included in the EU referendum and 2003 election.

I have posted many links of MIC & PN manifestos, on these forums and I usually accompany such a link with the following text:

Planning a business or holiday trip to Malta? Think again, many Maltese find no guilt in inciting government to break a democratic obligation. Follow the link to see what was promised and what happened. If they are capable of doing this to fellow citizens, guess what they are capable of doing to you'

From the response I get it works.

When BLM stop inciting government to break a democratic obligation and government opens the season I will stop circulating, simple. Fight fire with fire.

Moreover, if things turn sour I easily emigrate to an EU country were hunting is permitted, whilst continuing to damage Malta. See it’s not just BLM who have the dirty tricks.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Jan 18th 2010, 20:15

Well, sensible individuals will not be taken for a ride by BLM who are now hanging to their mummy's apron - BirdLife International. We have heard of their millions of birds shot, Malta being on a main migratory route, the turtle-dove and quail are threatened species and that Autumn is an alternative of Spring Hunting. All these statements have been proved wrong. How can they expect us to believe their persistent lies!

Like it or not, they have to accept that the ECJ has provided the Maltese Government with the necessary tools to open the Spring Hunting Season. Dr Gonzi has confirmed that he will abide by this ruling. Hence, I augur an enjoyable Spring Hunting Season to all Maltese Hunters!!

I again urge the Maltese Government to ensure that NOBODY IS ALLOWED TO UNJUSTLY TARNISH OUR DEAR MALTA'S IMAGE!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Jan 18th 2010, 20:13

It is all the Maltese Government's fault that things have gone this far. The foreigners heading BLM do not mind harming Malta, while the Government is long-overdue in taking the necessary action against those who are tarnishing our dear Malta's image.

It is shameful that after undertaking to abide by the ECJ ruling, BirdLife International are now not capable to stand by this undertaking. This ruling from the European Court has really hit them under the belt.

CONTD.

Jason Borg

Jan 18th 2010, 20:01

@ Alfred Farrugia - those are domestic quails, reared in farms and not shot by hunters.

k spiteri

Jan 18th 2010, 20:00

@ c busuttil

welldone for the few words you said. enough is enough stop trowing stones to us hunters birdlife malta. Spring hunting is our right !!!!

John Matthews

Jan 18th 2010, 19:49

@ C Busittil
My sentiments entirely.
In my opinion Birdlife should put up or shut up. If they, Birdlife, produce such figures to the media, and, it's proven to be lies and deceit, they should be taken to task by the government and they should be expelled from from the international scene.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Jan 18th 2010, 19:48

There are two sides to the spring hunting saga. Those that hunt and those that oppose hunting. There is also the third side that only recently stated that they agree with hunting in autumn (hunters call these jokers).

Each side of the story made its point and the matter ended up before the European Courts. The final verdict recognized that Malta's "specific circumstances" qualify for spring hunting being possible. They make absolutely no mention of Birdlife's repeated claim of spring hunting being illegal, and discredit their claims that the two quarry species are in any way endangered.

Following this vile disregard of the courts verdict and Birdlife's agreement to respect it, I would not be at all surprised if the court were to pronounce its condemnation of Birdlife's cheek

The Birds Directive is what regulates hunting, and if Birdlife think they are above this directive or that their pressure can alter court judgements then they might be in for a pleasant surprise.

Their fanaticism will eventually lead to their downfall. Facts are already pointing that way. In their frenzy to stop Malta from exercising its rights they have lost all sense of decency.

r sammut

Jan 18th 2010, 19:35

The length of time spent here by Mr Elliot must have been considerable to witness the figures he mentioned!

No wonder why Mr Bob Elliot knows so little about the illegalities happening back home if he, as Head of Investigations for RSPB Scotland is spending time off work, to mind our business instead! Shooters in the vast expanses of Scotland can practically spend days shooting without seeing or even hearing shots from other shooters. Certainly not because of any lack of game… in Scotland!

BirdLife Malta is all frenzy after the ECJ ruling and is roping in all international support it can, to bloat exaggerations against hunters. Apart from hunters, BLM is doing a great job to bring Malta, its Government and law enforcers’ reputation down!

As long as BLM coffers are being filled, their end justifies their means!

Fabian Borg

Jan 18th 2010, 18:21

First it was BLM vs FKNK. Now it seems BLM vs Gonzi. Let us hope he still has strong hands ( par idejn sodi). Dr. Gonzi, The ECJ gave its verdict and as we understand the door its still open. Now its is either in or out but the decision seems yours. Follow the steps of your predecessor who guaranteed in writing to all hunters twice in March and April 2003 and give us this Spring Hunting season and the others to follow as guaranteed by EFA as it is better late then never. Two seasons taken away can never be returned as they are gone but now we have the ECJ verdict confirming Malta can derogate and so we will on this and any National matter cause we are still a NATION and we expect PN to be NATIONALIST.

Charles Vella

Jan 18th 2010, 18:00

Dear Mr Elliot you are not the one that organise hunting tours in Scotland .? And please can you tell me how you managed to count 60 cases of wild bird crime every year in Scoland (please do not take us for a ride) . Do not throw stones on glass houses. Charity beings at home.

C.Busuttil

Jan 18th 2010, 17:55

As a Maltese citizen who never even dreamed to go hunting I call on the government and the opposition to destroy/banish Birdlife. Enough is enough they have gone too far. I was never in favour of hunting, but these gimmicks by this m group who thinks that the Maltese really care about birds, may make me reconsider my position towards hunters. I also think the government should take action in court against birdlife for the damages they are doing to the country. Break them financially and hold them personally responsible for the loss of jobs their actions might cause.

Alfred Farrugia

Jan 18th 2010, 17:42

May I suggest that some members of BirdLife International and BirdLife Malta go to a restaurant in Mellieha or Mgarr and taste a dish of quail? The same dish is available in other parts of the world. Can these BL members tell us how these birds find themselves on the menu?

E. Azzopardi

Jan 18th 2010, 17:11

Well, those with some common sense know who did a lot of harm to tourism for so many years. And it is irreversible. Spring hunting should never open again. We WILL have more of the same. No doubt about that.

Mark Shaw

Jan 18th 2010, 15:57

Petition signed and gladly :).... @ M Borg.....bit long ....but im sure you feel right about what you said! i must admit my attention drifted....think it was a passing sparrow, merrily going by the window! @ IGalea...WERE NOT DEAF!!!!!!! ..although listening to your diatribes i sometimes wish i was! Now then, heated topic this one! Seem to me there are die hards in both camps and a few moderates in between!...as i see it...BLM comes up with a figure....pro hunters demand proof and then claim all sorts of nonsense about freezers, set ups etc..bit like a merry go round! as i see it BLM produces visual evidence that confirms there claims ( im talking Mzieb) can i ask where is the evidence to refute any claims by BLM?! as far as im concerned BLM have a lot more credibility and therefore my signature..hot air, allegations and stamping of feet is only good for raising balloons, but then again...p'haps balloons would be a better target to shoot at! Regards M Shaw

Galea. L

Jan 18th 2010, 15:05

I am not a hunter or trapper but this destructive campaign by birdlife against OUR COUNTRY HAS GONE TOO FAR FOR TOO LONG. THEY SHOULD BE PROSECUTED FOR THE DAMAGE THEY ARE CAUSING TO OUR COUNTRY ESPECIALLY THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AND PROHIBITED FROM EVER ENGAGING AGAIN IN ANY SIMILAR CAMPAIGN.

Anthony Formosa

Jan 18th 2010, 14:50

Here we go again, another dirty campaign to be launched against tiny Malta, this time aiming at the Prime Minister demanding the proper enforcement of the Birds Directive. Well dear BLM and Co you have declared with FACE that both parties will respect the ECJ outcome and now you are demanding not to re-open the season for the Turtle dove and Common Quail? This is ridiculous. However based on the ECJ verdict and the scientific evidence the Prime Minister is duty bound to apply for a derogation for spring hunting as other European countries apply for hundreds of derogations. BLM are not only against hunting and trapping including that of the rabbit, but they are even against our presence in our own countryside, they are even trying to take Mizieb and make it a bird sanctuary. BLM fully endorsed a tourism boycott against Malta which was also supported by some airlines and travel agents abroad. They influenced so much that birders are threatening to kill a Maltese human (hunter or not) for each bird shot.

@ G.Grech, get your facts right before you comment.

@ J.Borg, This is our right, whether PN or PL, however remember the MEPS elections?

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Jan 18th 2010, 14:27

Birdlife Intl, of which Birdlife Malta is a partner, signed an agreement together with the EU hunting federation FACE to respect the ECJ judgement.

This judgement specifically states: Having regard to those very specific circumstances, hunting for quails and turtle doves during the autumn hunting season cannot be regarded as constituting, in Malta, another satisfactory solution, so that the condition that there be no other satisfactory solution, laid down in Article 9(1) of the Directive, should, in principle, be considered met.” This in short means that the court recognizes that Malta has every right to derogate for spring hunting provided such derogation is in full compliance with the EU Birds Directive requirements for derogation.

The International Campaign launched by Birdlife International not only breaches the agreement to respect this court judgement, it also undermines Malta's recognized right to derogate by inciting the usual filth directed against the Maltese Government.

Birdlife's resorting to fabrications is nothing new. This campaign can only be considered as yet another attempt to vilify Malta in order to reach their aim.

Spring hunting will reopen in accordance to the court ruling and the Birds Directive irrespective of all Birdlife's nonsense

Paul Barrett

Jan 18th 2010, 13:47

@ M Borg
In Part one you mention a sentence by the European Court regarding Spring hunting for Turtle Dove and Quail.

The reason that there is a shortage of these two birds in the Autumn season could well be that if you kill the parents before they breed, they and their offspring can hardly fly back during the Autumn. The common sense approach would be to let them breed and then there would be more to hunt in the Autumn - simple logic really.

C. Camilleri

Jan 18th 2010, 13:37

@ M Borg...

your comment is too long to even considering reading it!

Paul Barrett

Jan 18th 2010, 13:37

@ M Borg
Two wrongs do not make a right.
One bad poacher does not make all hunters bad and there is a great difference in hunting for food or culling to keep a species manageable rather than just killing anything and everything and calling it sport or tradition .

Chris Galea

Jan 18th 2010, 13:33

ok dear Birdlife,give us an alternative to spring dove hunting and we'll stay ! Even the ECJ confirmed that autumn is no alternative to spring !!!!! We were told by the ECJ that Malta could apply for a derogation PROPERLY and hunt in spring.... and this April 2010 we will hunt.
"Jien se noqghod ghad decizjoni ta'l-ECJ" Dr Lawrence Gonzi

Farrugia A

Jan 18th 2010, 13:20

First of all well done to Birdlife. This initiative is one step further in favor of the environment in the absece of any substantial initiatives from the PN Government and even worse, the Malta Labour Party, believe it or not, does a working group with hunters (for their votes of course) rather than soliciting the government or working with environmental groups to protect the environment.

Secondly, Mr. Borg. If one wanted to, we could also list the bull fighting, whaling, etc.

All are bad and please join me in writing in foreign press against these barbaric activities. However, such lists do not help your cause. A million wrong doing in other countries do not justify any wrong doing in Malta.

It would help you more, if as a hunter or whatever, join birdlife in this initiative. The only people who would never do so are the poachers or others doing wrong doing. Law abiding hunters will have no ifs or buts about this initiative.

John INguanez

Jan 18th 2010, 13:16

Where have the millions of shot birds gone? Now we are referring to thousands. Better Birdlife Malta studies exactly how its campaign is hurt the Maltese in general and the tourism industry. But, I forgot, if they don't have a campaign they won't get any finance from the UE? By the way, I am not a hunter or a trapper./

John Borg

Jan 18th 2010, 13:04

Mr Elliot said "In Malta, BirdLife recorded over 2100 incidents in 2008 alone." This number contrasts with the numbers presented few days ago where less than 100 birds were mentioned so it must include the number of shots heard during the afternoon ban in September. Can Mr Elliot tell us how many similar shots he counted in Scotland? I'm sure the answer is zero but not because there were no shots. In Scotland, whether open or closed season, no one would be hearing any shots or witness any illegality because it takes place in very remote places on a vast territory. On the opposite, each and every shot in Malta is heard across the island, including those at the shooting ranges.
And then the title tells it all. Birdlife Malta credibility in Malta is next to zero so they have reverted to foreign officials to tell us 'Oh we are holier than thou'. And then again, the campaign should be INTERNATIONAL because in Malta most people are not gullible any more.

S Sammut

Jan 18th 2010, 13:03

I agree that the Spring Hunting should be banned in Malta, for obvoius reasons! Less bad press means much more tourism too!
I am sorry for the law obiding hunters!

Darren Farrugia

Jan 18th 2010, 12:50

Great work BLM and BLI. At last some serious action. Keep up the good work. We have had enough of Illegal hunting.

adrian aquilina

Jan 18th 2010, 12:40

good luck to birdlife......lets hope the right thing is done and spring hunting never happens and hunters are strictly monitored continuesly as they are in other countries..time the ignorant followed the law when doing this nasty and unesessary activity

Karl Falzon

Jan 18th 2010, 12:10

Birdlife International and FACE have committed themselves by signing a common statement, stressing out that they will respect the ECJ's final decision and abide to it! This is not launching a campaign against Malta, but against the ECJ's ruling! Seems like that these people want everything there way... say that hunter's are the egoists, seems more the other for me.

http://www.birdlife.org/news/extra/europe/face_statement.html

Joe Azzopardi

Jan 18th 2010, 12:09

The truth is that no Government has even done enough to discipline hunting practices and bring them in line with the law. Anyone that goes for a walk in the country, apart from the law enforcement people, can see that abuse is rampant. I am against hunting in principal but if the law of the country permits it I abide by that law. But some hunters think they are the law.

M Borg PART 7 FINAL

Jan 18th 2010, 12:05

The number of incidents detected will be a very small proportion of the total. The true level of illegal killing of raptors is very difficult to measure due to the nature of the terrain in which these offences take place and the secrecy surrounding such criminal activities. The level of confirmed cases of illegal poisoning recorded over the last five years suggests that these offences continue to be widespread. As in previous years, the distribution of 2008 incidents, as shown by the maps in the Appendices, reinforces the fact that incidents are not evenly or randomly spread throughout the country, but are largely concentrated in the upland areas of the east and south, co-incident with the distribution of driven grouse moors. Indeed this evidence coincides with a geographical analysis of the distribution of poisoning incidents published in peer-reviewed scientific literature, which shows that the illegal use of poison baits to control predators is disproportionately associated with grouse moors in Scotland”

And what about illegal hunting in Italy, Mr CASERTA ??????????????????


No need for further comments!

M Borg PART 6

Jan 18th 2010, 12:04

• the illegal killing of raptors has been in generally long-term decline, particularly in the lowlands and North and West
Highlands
• this decline is slowing or may have ceased
• for some raptor species and in some habitats (eg hen harriers nesting on driven grouse moors) there is – in contrast – no evidence of a decline in illegal killing or nest destruction
• illegal killing continues at wholly unacceptable levels and is still a significant threat to the populations and ranges of several scarce species.

M Borg PART 5

Jan 18th 2010, 12:04

Should one take a look at “ The Illegal Killing of Birds of Prey in Scotland, 2008” (http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/illegalkilling2008_tcm9-225981.pdf) one could not but see this paragraph :
“The deliberate and illegal killing of Scotland’s birds of prey has been a prominent issue for many decades. This matter is of serious conservation concern as it affects the populations and ranges of some of our most vulnerable bird species and contravenes both European Union and domestic legislation designed to safeguard and enhance bird populations. This illegal activity discredits the international reputation of Scotland as a place that takes pride in its natural heritage and undermines important industries, including tourism, that depend upon wildlife spectacles.”

Why is Mr Elliot minimising the crimes in his home country and maximizing those in Malta?

Further more, in the same article one can read that:
“It is apparent that the number and nature of the incidents discovered vary substantially from year to year, meaning that making a statistically rigorous assessment of the trends is difficult. Nevertheless, it is our view that:

M Borg PART 4

Jan 18th 2010, 12:03

Wildfowling
The wildfowling shooting season opens on September 1st. As with grouse and game shooting, the shooting season closes in Northern Ireland first. This happens on January 31st. The wildfowling shooting season continues across England, Scotland and Wales until February 20th

Why did Mr Elliott did not choose to also publish statistics in the UK, where it is reported that bird crime is on the increase, and where in 2008 alone it was reported that there was an increase of about 48% of bird crime in the UK/Scotland/Wales and Ireland? How can this person choose to come over here and criticise us without criticising his own country??

Why has Mr Elliot not mentioned how in Scotland there is another form of illegal bird crime which in Malta we don’t have: poisoning??

M Borg PART 3

Jan 18th 2010, 12:02

• Jack snipe: Jack snipe shooting season lasts from September 1st to January 31st in NI.
• Woodcock: The woodcock shooting season lasts from October 1st to January 31st in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the woodcock shooting season starts on September 1st and closes at the same time as the rest of the UK.
• Ducks and geese: Inland, the shooting season lasts from September 1st to January 31st in England, Scotland and Wales, and this is the same in Northern Ireland. If the HMV is less than ordinary spring tides, the shooting season closes on February 20th on the UK mainland.
• Coots and moorhen: shooting season lasts from September 1st to January 31st across England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, the birds are protected at all times, so it's illegal to shoot them at any time in the year.
• Golden Plover: Golden Plover shooting season lasts from September 1st to January 1st all over the UK (including Northern Ireland).
• Curlew: The curlew shooting season lasts from September 1st to January 31st in Northern Ireland. It is illegal to shoot curlews in England, Scotland and Wales, as they are protected at all times

M Borg PART 2

Jan 18th 2010, 12:01

Furthermore, in this article Mr Elliott from the Scottish RSPB is telling the readers about what he witnessed. Can Mr Elliott explain what the RSPB is doing in Scotland? Can Mr Elliott compare the hunting season in Scotland with that in Malta? For the information of our readers the hunting season in Scotland is as following:
• Pheasants: The pheasant shooting season lasts from October 1st to February 1st in England, Scotland and Wales. In NI it lasts from October 1st to January 31st.
• Partridge: The partridge shooting season lasts from October 1st to February 1st in England, Scotland and Wales. Like the pheasant shooting season, it closes a day earlier in NI.
• Ptarmigan: The ptarmigan shooting season lasts from August 12th to December 12th. The birds are found mostly in Scotland, so there is no shooting season in NI
• Blackgame: The blackgame shooting season lasts from August 20th to December 10th in England, Scotland and Wales. They aren't found in NI, so there is no shooting season there.
• Common snipe: The common snipe shooting season lasts from August 12th to January 31st on the UK mainland, and from September 1st to January 31st in NI

M Borg PART !

Jan 18th 2010, 11:59

Same story, year after year. Bird Life Malta is focusing on its campaign, now internationally. While I do hereby condemn illegal hunting, Birdlife Malta are contradicting themselves in this very statement. Mr Caserta, in his statement is saying that ““BirdLife is not against legal hunting” while in another comment he is pledging to the Maltese government : “"BirdLife also demands that the Maltese Government ensures that a spring hunting and trapping season for Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur, and Common Quail Coturnix coturnix is never re-opened on the island “ and this when there is a sentence by the European Court that such permit for legal hunting can be obtained should the government conform with stipulated regulations. Can Birdlife Malta publish the figures of the “tourists” they have brought over to Malta hiding behind this campaign, and also public the ‘commissions’ they got from leading hotels and car hire companies whose services were used? Can these figures be published?

J. Borg

Jan 18th 2010, 11:53

@ GIOVANN

I believe Dr.Joseph Muscat will not be pleased reading your comment
PL may get the votes of single minded hunters....
but will surely fail to attract the more crucial and numerous voters who deem that this political prostition has gone too far, and is way off it sell by date!

Stephen Grech

Jan 18th 2010, 11:45

Here we go again! First we have been bombarded all these years with the killing of millions of birds each year... now the new litany is thousands of birds each year. And this is not a certainty but a belief - as said in the article - of Birdlife Malta which by now everyone is realising how credible they can be!

Mr Elliot said that in 2008 there were 2100 incidents recorded...can he be more specific and give us a breakdown of these infringements because getting caught killing a bird of prey is one thing and being caught with 4 cartridges in your gun instead of 3 or with a bird caller is another thing. Those gullible will immediately conclude that during that year 2100 protected birds were killed. Or is he trying to twist things to his pleasure and to his gain?

GIOVANN SAID

Jan 18th 2010, 11:38

Milli jidher, il-kacca ser terga' tkun diskussa fix-xhur li gejjin.

Il-punt kollu f'dan ir-rigward m'ghandux ikun jekk il-kacca ghandhiex tkun legali jew le ghax jien tip ta' bniedem li nirrispetta l-opinjoni ta' kulhadd, sew dawk li huma favuriha ghax iqisu li l-kacca hija delizzju partikolari taghhom u sew dawk li huma kontriha ghax jarawha bhala mohqrija ta' l-annimali.

L-istorja kollha tinsab fil-fatt li l-kaccaturi u n-nassaba gew imwieghda minn Eddie Fenech Adami qabel ir-referendum u qabel l-elezzjoni generali tas-sena 2003 li, bi shubija shiha fl-UE, huma kienu ser jibqghu jgawdu d-delizzju taghhom bil-liberta' kollha. Madankollu, b'mod tipiku tal-Partit Nazzjonalista, din il-weghda kienet fiergha u ghalhekk jien nifhem lil dawk il-kaccaturi li llum qed ihossuhom traduti minn Gvern, li sena wara l-ohra, jibqa' jidhak bihom f'wicchom. Fl-istorja politika tal-pajjiz, kellna Prim Ministru wiehed biss li dak li qal fir-rigward tal-kacca wettqu. Fi zmien il-kampanja elettorali tas-sena 1996, Alfred Sant kien wieghed li bih fit-tmexxija tal-pajjiz, l-istagun tal-kacca kien ser jigi estiz. Meta f'Ottubru 1996 il-Partit Laburista rebah l-elezzjoni generali, l-istagun gie estiz kif kien gie mwieghed lill-kaccaturi qabel l-elezzjoni. Mhux ta' b'xejn li l-kaccaturi jridu lill-PL fil-Gvern!

G. Grech

Jan 18th 2010, 11:20

...at least somebody is serious about wild-life crime happening on this island.

This is particularly true for any animal that can fly: "Malta is the only place where you do not want to see a raptor flying low as it will definitely be shot at in the absence of conservationists or police in the area”.

Now we hope that proper action is taken against offenders. Eur12 fines are ridiculing the works of such dedicated individuals.