Andrè Raine, BirdLife Malta Conservation, manager, Ta' Xbiex
Condemning the witness instead of the criminal
Time and again, the hunting lobby in Malta seems comfortable accusing the witness reporting the crimes, instead of the criminals committing them.
Henry Fenech Azzopardi (January 8) goes as far as condemning BirdLife for doing its job. He questions the veracity of the evidence on widespread illegal hunting provided by BirdLife, yet does not provide any evidence to back up his claims that BirdLife never comes up with a solution to curb illegal hunting.
First, every single bird that is brought to the BirdLife office is examined by an independent vet to verify its injuries. The OPM, Mepa and police are informed and then the body of the bird is passed on to the authorities. Secondly, it is a fact that the number of shot protected birds confiscated by the police is much larger than the number BirdLife reports receiving each year.
The illegal hunting and trapping reports prepared at the end of each year are passed on to the authorities, with details of the incidences and locations. All photographic and video evidence available to BirdLife is also given to the police to assist with investigations.
Not only does BirdLife provide evidence to several bodies, it also provides solutions on how to curb illegal hunting. In 2008, it submitted a detailed report to the authorities outlining recommendations on how to deal with illegal hunting and trapping in the Maltese islands.
The report was based on the advice of international wildlife crime experts, ex-army and ex-police officers and outlined a number of effective actions to deal with the current situation. It included recommendations on law enforcement, on strengthening the judicial capacity to deal with hunting crimes, and on educational campaigns. However, BirdLife did not receive any reply from the authorities and none of the proposed actions have been implemented.
The hunting lobby, on the other hand, repeats the same suggestion guided by self-interest - to regulate themselves! According to their plan they will have what they call "hunting wardens" to report illegal activities to their federation rather than the police.
In reaction to the FKNK's self-regulation proposal, the Attorney General, in a message circulated to Ornis Committee members in July 2007, stated that the way the whole setup was proposed left a bit of too much discretion in the hands of the persons who proposed to be regulated by it. Despite this, Mr Fenech Azzopardi recycles this concept and pushes it forward as the "divine" solution to our illegal hunting problem.
The killing of protected species is not restricted to Malta. BirdLife has stated this over and over again. The illegal hunting incidences from abroad that the Maltese hunters like to refer to are mostly revealed thanks to the work of BirdLife partners in these countries.
So, BirdLife is working not only in Malta but also in other countries against this practice. Yet, Malta stands as the worst offender in Europe. The illegal hunting reports from Italy, Scotland or other EU countries compared to Malta clearly demonstrate that Malta continues to be the black spot for bird conservation.
With gun-wielding poachers chasing eagles in the middle of residential areas (footage available on the BirdLife Malta website), with lead shots falling on the grounds of primary schools and terrified teachers calling BirdLife for help, with hunters having the longest bird hunting season in Europe with minimum restrictions, and with the countryside dotted with illegally built so-called hunting hides on public land, to claim that things are not that bad means these people are either disconnected from reality or they do not want the truth to be told.
The country is not getting a bad name because of the people who report wildlife crimes but because of the irresponsible individuals who commit these crimes and the authorities who are too reluctant to take strong action. This kind of attitude, to blame the messenger rather than the criminal, is not restricted to the hunting lobby in Malta. Japan is renowned for adopting these tactics to conceal whale slaughter, Canada to hide the butchering of seal pups, Indonesia to continue clear-cutting rain forests, China to feed its unending appetite for shark fins and so on.
Each and every one of these countries accuse the conservation organisations that expose their crimes, just as the hunting lobby in Malta accuses BirdLife.
Abolishing hunting in Malta is not on BirdLife's agenda, so it is better for the spokesmen of the hunting lobby to abandon this "scare card" and stop hiding behind the wall of ignorance. At the end of the day, Maltese hunters have 32 species that they can legally shoot in autumn and the longest bird hunting season in Europe.
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John Matthews
Jan 26th 2010, 17:59
@ Kenneth Cassar
Please read J Borg's letter again.
Countryside/Disproportionate/Thugs blah blah blah.
I have carried a gun in the countryside (as a member of HM Forces) in Malta but I do NOT consider myself a thug. So much so that I give instructions/seminars to the police in the UK, so consequentionally I have REALLY been "checked out".
Perhaps J Borg's "exalted position" gives her the right not to be contradicted
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 26th 2010, 12:08
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin:
Let's end the game here. When you first said you "proved" me wrong, I was expecting a lengthy reasoned rebuttal to some kind of philosophical theory of mine, but it transpires that all it was, was me saying someone did not say something, after the moderator deleted his comment, before giving me the time to see the deleted post. I give you way too much credit. If that's your best shot at my reputation, I need not lose any sleep.
I give you way too much importance. And you apparently relish in that. Perhaps I should consider ignoring you altogether and restrict my replies to reasoned arguments instead of non-issues and attempts at destroying credibility when faced with logic you can't refute.
Now its time for you to have your fun. I'm out of here. Until next time, good bye and good luck.
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 26th 2010, 11:39
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin:
"Kenneth Cassar, are you conveniently opting to forget about the incidence I refer to? You know pretty well what I refer to as I have explained in my comment! Do you honestly expect to be taken seriously?!!".
Yes, please remind me of the "incidence", and show me how I was "proved" wrong, and perhaps then, I will take you seriously. In the meantime, I will "evade" you and "hide behind my computer screen".
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 26th 2010, 11:35
@ John Matthews:
J Borg needn't have specified anything. To repeat, what J Borg wrote a few days ago was "(the countryside) which is taken over by thugs carrying and using shotguns..."
Again, please note that saying that some thugs carry shotguns in no way implies that all who carry shotguns are thugs, just as the fact that all criminals eat does not mean that whoever eats is a criminal.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 25th 2010, 19:20
Kenneth Cassar, are you conveniently opting to forget about the incidence I refer to? You know pretty well what I refer to as I have explained in my comment! Do you honestly expect to be taken seriously?!!
John Matthews
Jan 25th 2010, 16:09
@ Kenneth Cassar
Perhaps J Borg should get his/her phraseology correct then. The way I read it is that J Borg made an across the board statement. If the armed forces are not included, perhaps this should be specified
Hear that J Borg - - Be more specific!
Geoffrey Saliba
Jan 25th 2010, 12:48
@SMizzi contd
This is in contrast to the localised (not island wide as in Malta) shooting of an abundant species such as the Wood Pigeon which is carried out as a "pest control" measure - for example to protect crops. If the populations of Wood Pigeon did fall to the critical levels currently experienced by Turtle Dove and Quail, then there would be no need for controlling this species' population. This is the reason why both Turtle Dove and Quail are now fully protected under UK law and can not be shot at any time of the year.
I hope this helps.
Geoffrey Saliba
Jan 25th 2010, 12:48
@SMizzi contd
However, both the Turtle Dove and Quail are both listed as Species of Conservation Concern in Europe. This is because the Turtle Dove has experienced a moderate decline in recent years (it was also listed as a Species of Conservation Concern in 1994), while the Quail has suffered from a large historical decline (it was also listed as a Species of Conservation Concern in 1994). Incidentally, the status that we are quoting here is for the European populations (which are the important consideration in the Mediterranean scenario) and not the global population, as populations of these species in Yemen or China are not relevant to this discussion.
The targeted shooting of a Species of Conservation Concern in spring will of course have an impact on the species, particularly as it involves the killing of birds a few weeks before they start breeding.
Geoffrey Saliba
Jan 25th 2010, 12:47
@S Mizzi
Trying to push a measure put forward to control the population of a species that is at times considered to be a "pest" - in this case the Wood Pigeon in the UK - has got nothing to do with hunting of birds for "sport" or in other terms, "juidical use". You are clearly mixing two separate issue to give the impression that they are the same. From a conservation point of view they are not and also from a sustainable hunting point of view they are not. Here is why:
Regarding the Wood Pigeon, the population of this species in Europe is between 9 million and 17 million pairs. According to BirdLife International , it is listed as 'Secure', the same status it held in BLI's 1994 assessment, as there have been no major changes in the European population (apart from a slight increase).
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 25th 2010, 10:36
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin:
One is expected to stick to the topic, you say. Well, let me remind you that the topic is "condemning the witness instead of the criminal". How about sticking to that? But once again, let me remind you that one can hardly be expected to keep on topic when one is rebutting off-topic comments.
Regarding when I "defended" an individual by saying he "never unjustly accused an FKNK official", well, I'm sorry to say that you have to be more specific than that. What exactly was the accusation, and how have I been proved wrong?
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 25th 2010, 09:34
@ John Matthews:
At the risk of being called once again a "devil's advocate" (as if I care), I would like to bring to your attention the following:
What J Borg wrote a few days ago was "(the countryside) which is taken over by thugs carrying and using shotguns..." after which you asked him whether he considers the armed forces to be thugs.
Please note that saying that some thugs carry shotguns in no way implies that all who carry shotguns are thugs, just as the fact that all criminals eat does not mean that whoever eats is a criminal.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 25th 2010, 08:47
Kenneth Cassar, "has the right to comment on whatever topic one chooses". Definitely but one is expected to stick to the topic!
Kenneth, you have quite a short memory! I will remind you. Remember when you defended an individual by saying that he never unjustly accused an FKNK official ONLY to be proved wrong when I reproduced what this individual had written? Stop playing the fool / conveniently forgetting such episodes!
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 24th 2010, 22:04
@ John Matthews:
Wrong. I am not even pro-Birdlife. I have criticised them in the past, and I do not necessarily agree with everything they do. I just happen to oppose Spring hunting like they do...actually I would relish the day when no animal is unnecessarily killed (not only in Spring and not only birds), but I know that this won't happen in my lifetime (and maybe never will).
Now to your main point, being that BLM have not replied to questions posed to them by other interested parties. What has this got to do with me? Again, I am not even a member of Birdlife. If Birdlife stand accused of saying untruths, it is up to them to reply if they want. I will only reply (if I want to) if I am accused of saying untruths. Fair enough, don't you think?
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 24th 2010, 21:53
@ Mark Mifsud Bonnici:
Yes, as long as what you do won't unnecessarily harm other sentient beings, you can count on me to defend your right to do it.
John Matthews
Jan 24th 2010, 21:48
@ Kenneth Cassar
You claim that you are NOT a member of BLM, fine, I believe you. However I believe you to be pro Birdlife (your choice) My main point being that BLM have not replied to questions posed to them. by other interested parties. Your words "if they wish"
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jan 24th 2010, 20:45
Kenneth Cassar
I'm glad to hear that you defend sentient beings from unnecessary suffering.
Next time our hunting or trapping seasons are closed you will be defending us. How thoughtful of you.
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 24th 2010, 17:44
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin:
Which part of a comment have I used out of context? Also, if I have rebutted someone else's argument that was itself off-topic, you can hardly blame me.
As for "evading facts" mentioned in your comment, it is hardly my problem. Apparently, however, it is yours, since you think you have the right to dictate what other people comment on. But just so you know, I would rather let allegations regarding BirdLife to be answered (if they wish) by BirdLife themselves. I'm not a member.
As for your repetition of the term "devil's advocate", aren't you yourself playing devil's advocate? Don't you keep "reminding" us that you are not a hunter yourself? That said, I believe that everyone has the right to comment on whatever topic one chooses.
And what is it that happened to me the last time I defended somebody? Will you please stop slandering? Where exactly have I been proven wrong? I suspect you haven't followed until the end the thread you are referring to. After all, if I remember well, you wrote your oft-repeated phrase "I won't keep replying to your multiple-posts" and ended it there.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 24th 2010, 14:49
Kenneth Cassar, the actual problem is that you pick up a comment, use it out of context in order to deviate from the actual topic being discussed. YOUR problem is that you chose to evade the facts mentioned in my comment which exposes BLM's untruths - Untruths which even the ECJ have exposed. Maybe you should let us have your comments about these facts instead of playing the devil's advocate for Charles Gauci and others! Remember what happened to you last time you defended somebody without actually reading his comments properly?!! You were proved wrong - and this after my quoting what the individual had written!
Let us see what you have to say about the mentioned FACTS!
John Matthews
Jan 23rd 2010, 21:52
Have you noticed that Andre Raine's letter starts
"Time and again"
Well time and again the hunting lobby have asked for answers from BLM.
AND
Time and again they are still waiting
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 23rd 2010, 19:54
@ Mark Mifsud Bonnici:
That was my point. Slavery is now immoral and illegal, but it wasn't always so. It was once very legal. And it was legal only because the majority did not see it as immoral.
Since I never said taxidermy is illegal yet, I think you'll get my point.
As for my priorities, my priority is defending all sentient beings from unnecessary suffering and killing, and that includes humans.
_________________________
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin:
Regarding playing the "devil's advocate", what's your problem? Have you got tired of playing the devil's advocate yourself?
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 23rd 2010, 17:24
Kenneth Cassar, stop playing the devil's advocate!
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jan 23rd 2010, 17:15
Kenneth Cassar
Slavery is immoral and illegal whilst taxidermy might be immoral to some but is definitely not illegal.
Same goes for abortion, however, unfortunately there are several fellow humans that are more concerned about the well being of animals rather then the lives of the unborn.
These normally excuse their actions under the pretence that animals do not have a voice. But then, do the unborn.
Get your priorities right before wasting time on senseless arguments.
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 23rd 2010, 15:05
@ Mark Mifsud Bonnici:
"It is only in Malta that Birdlife's venom made people reason the way you do (about taxidermy)".
And here's where you are very wrong. Speaking for myself, I have never ever read a single article from BLM about taxidermy (even though there might be), and have opposed it long before I even discovered BLM. The reason I oppose it is because it involves the unnecessary killing of sentient animals.
You might also wish to note that not all that is legal is necessarily morally ok. If that were the case, slavery (to name one example) would never have become illegal. It was immoral long before it became illegal and became illegal only because people recognised it is immoral.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jan 23rd 2010, 13:16
CharlesGauci
Your reference to my not being a "genuine hunter" is related to my having a collection of bird trophies.
What makes a "genuine hunter" according to you? Trophies of non huntable species could be taken here in Malta when it was legal to do so, so collecting any was legal too. Nowadays due to much needed legislation that protects non huntable species, these can still be legally purchased from older collections or from overseas sources.
Rather then destroying the birds found injured or dead as Birdlife Malta always do. Overseas, birds that have been illegally shot and confiscated by the police, those that died run over by vehicles or colliding with objects are held by people licensed to do so and sold to collectors and museums worldwide.
It is only in Malta that these birds end up as publicity stunts and aimlessly discarded soon after.
Collectors could be "genuine hunters' and yet never fired a shot at a protected bird, they could also be non hunters. Personally I know quite a few that are passionate bird watchers.
So before you criticize do get yourself informed. You have a lot to learn.
Lino Farrugia
Jan 23rd 2010, 12:07
continued...In October 2009, Ian McCall, outgoing director of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (UK), warned that if legal means are not provided to help farmers, grouse-moor owners and pigeon fanciers to control birds of prey, they would be forced to take the law into their own hands. The numbers of birds of prey, particularly buzzards, “have exploded over the past decade”. Mr McCall urged a cull, saying "We have got to decide how many [raptors] we want, because infinity is unacceptable". Subsequently, the headline of New Scotsman.com on 4 November 2009 read “New licences to kill birds of prey could be handed to landowners”. The article goes on to say that new guidelines on the licensed killing of birds of prey are being drawn up by the Scottish Government, and are expected to come into force this year.
Secretary - FKNK
Lino Farrugia
Jan 23rd 2010, 12:04
Geoffrey Saliba from BirdLife Malta wrote: "The killing of any bird of prey in the UK is illegal and would be punishable with up to 6 months in prison."
In an article published on November 2, 2009 in The Press and Journal, it was reported that a total of 244 wildlife crime offences were committed in Grampian, Scotland alone in the first ten months of 2009. Moreover, UK figures for 2008 showed wildlife crimes more than doubled, from 2,177 to 5,854, and incidents were now being recorded at a rate of 120 a week. Bob Elliot for the RSPB added that in areas like Grampian, incidents are happening in “very, very remote areas, and … every problem detected is a very small proportion of the actual incidents.” to be continued...
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 22nd 2010, 21:25
Charles Gauci never said or implied that Mark Mifsud Bonnici is a poacher. He wrote responsibly and so will not get into trouble. The key part in his post is "even though they may have been shot before they were legally protected".
One should read more carefully before commenting.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jan 22nd 2010, 21:15
Mr, Charles Gauci
if you would like to start your own stuffed bird collection log on to E Bay on
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=taxidermy&_sacat=See-All-Categories
and take you pick. Eagles,budgies, owls hawks, you name it.
You see even though Birdlife exists in the UK, taxidermy and the collecting of specimens is perfectly legal and lincesed under a General License.
It is only in Malta that Birdlife's venom made people reason the way you do.
M. Cardona
Jan 22nd 2010, 21:02
@Mr Geoffrey Saliba of Birdlife Malta,
Just like the fallacies I already highlighted in Dr Raine's letter, and Mr Jeff Knott (RSPB)'s redress which has been more than amply discredited, you have made a miserable attempt to justify what you interpret as factual regarding predator control in England. I cna thus only conclude that be it BLM or RSPB you don't have the slightest whiff of what you're talking about.
Mr Saliba, before making assertions regarding birds of prey in England and their control measures, next time please do check or do check with appropriate sources. It saves you from further poor shows of uninformed utterances!
John Matthews
Jan 22nd 2010, 19:42
TROPHYS !!!
Although hunters may have their legal quarry stuffed, that is their right. Has anyone thought to consider that some of these "Trophys" may have been handed dow from father to son etc.
You can often see "trophys" at markets and car boot sales in this country.
2
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 22nd 2010, 19:23
Charles Gauci, are you insinuating that Mr Mark Mifsud Bonnici is a poacher?! You should be aware that it is legal to own stuffed birds. In fact, there was a time when the Maltese hunters had to register these - i.e. these are LEGAL BELONGINGS! It might further interest you to know that amongst their collections, certain hunters have tagged birds which were legally shot in another country but since these are protected in Malta, they are tagged on importation! Sir, you must realise that when commenting online, one should act responsibly as otherwise he might end up in trouble!
Lino Farrugia
Jan 22nd 2010, 18:28
Mr. Knott, As an RSPB official you should be ashamed for supplying incorrect information about hunting in the UK, where I personally have enjoyed several hunting outings over the last 30 years, making very good friends along the way, both hunters and otherwise. I have even had the opportunity to visit land owned by the RSPB, part of which is leased-out for hunting purposes. Doesn't UK's hunters possibility to shoot huntable wild birds, to name a few, grouse, snipe, woodcock, several species of duck, geese, etc., not to mention bred birds that are put-down for hunting purposes, such as pheasant, partridge and ducks, from your glorious 12th August all the way up to mid-February for wild-fowlers off-shore make your birds, mostly also migratory, hunting season longer than Malta's five months, as incorrectly also stated by Dr. Raine in this letter. As for what you term as pest-species that may be killed in any form and by any means (eg grey squirrels nests being shot at); corvids traps; foxes nooses; etc., I think you have had enough justified replies. Secretary - FKNK
salvu abela
Jan 22nd 2010, 18:08
Whenever a protected bird is found dead in Malta it makes world headlines,thanks to some NGO,but when it happens in somewhere else in the EU it`s OK,and for those UK`s comments against the Maltese hunters they should clean their house first before throwing mud at little Malta ,if one just write " buzzards poisoning and killing in UK " and search Google he will find thousands of wild-life crimes in the UK which do not make world head-lines like ours do. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/wildlife-crime-britains-killing-fields-1812915.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1339741/Gamekeeper-denies-coffee-jar-poisoning-of-buzzards.html http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/police-probe-the-poisoning-of-four-buzzards-13957033.html http://www.raptorfoundation.org.uk/commonbuzzard.html http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/CAMPAIGNS/pheasant/ALL/1460// http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/poisoned-buzzards262.html#cr http://news.scotsman.com/birdsofprey/Birds-of-prey-killings-.5587084.jp http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Bird-of-prey-poisoning-map.4864489.jp http://www.iucn-uk.org/Members/tabid/70/default.aspx?article=Illegal+Poisoning%2058 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4400327.stm http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=55761 Thank You
Lino Farrugia
Jan 22nd 2010, 17:51
Mr. Saliba, As far as we can recall BirdLife Malta had complained that they had not been consulted when the PM issued the relative Legal Notice to permit the culling of starlings on the airfields in the interest of public safety. Now you are saying differently! Secretary - FKNK
S Mizzi
Jan 22nd 2010, 16:31
Geoffrey Saliba.
Thanks for confirming that shooting in Britain may be practised all year round. The least one would expect from Mr Knott is an apology for trying to mislead.
In any case back to your post.
So according to you, the taking of hundreds of thousands of Wood Pigeon annually by thousands of hunters in the UK has no effect on their resident population, whilst the taking of quails and turtle doves over Malta by the Maltese hunters over the span of a month in Spring has a bearing on Europe's populations of both species. And this when considering that during that period one would experience a week max of abundant (by local standards!) migration whilst the rest would be a steady trickle of passing birds.
The British population of WPs is estimated at 5 mio whilst the European population for Turtle doves is also estimated at around 5 mio pairs as is for Quail. Somehow the maths doesn't work out. According to your logic, British hunters shooting all year long don't dent the WP population whilst Maltese hunters shooting at a fraction of migrating birds (not all of them pass over Malta) has a huge bearing on populations.
Charles Gauci
Jan 22nd 2010, 16:25
@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Read the posts by hunters in this blog and it is proof enough that genuine hunters are very hard to come by locally. Even a top official of one of the hunting associations is bragging that he collects trophies of birds he killed! I do not suppose genuine hunters would have such collections of stuffed birds at home since most of them would be non-huntable birds even though they may have been shot before they were legally protected. It would still show that the hunter who had shot them did not care to distinguish between game and none-game species.
Geoffrey Saliba
Jan 22nd 2010, 13:59
It is also worth noting that all of the "pest" species mentioned in various hunter’s postings are common residents in the UK and their shooting is in no way comparable to spring hunting in Malta as it does not negatively affect their breeding populations or conservation status.
On another note and again for clarification, both Turtle Dove and Common Quail are specially protected in the UK due to their conservation status and shooting either species (at any time of year) is a criminal offense, with a maximum penalty of 6 months in prison. In response to another post which states that the shooting of Goshawk and Buzzard in England is legal, this is completely false. The killing of any bird of prey in the UK is illegal and would be punishable with up to 6 months in prison.
We hope this clarifies.
Geoffrey Saliba
Jan 22nd 2010, 13:59
For clarification on several comments posted in this blog. Certain species which are considered as "pest species" , such as Wood Pigeon and Carrion Crow, are shot all year round in the UK under license for very specific reasons. These are air safety, public health or safety, protection of crops or protection of flora and fauna. Anyone shooting one of the "pest" species would be required to justify their actions under one of these four reasons. "Sport" or as the Maltese hunting lobby wants to justify their spring hunting hobby, so called "judicious use", is NOT one of the reasons these birds can be shot.
In fact when the Maltese government contacted BirdLife Malta regarding the possibility of shooting Starlings at the International airport, BirdLife made a serious of recommendations in-line with the Birds Directive and did not object to shooting of these species for air safety should all other measures be proven to have failed.
S Mizzi
Jan 22nd 2010, 11:57
Mr Curmi, just on a point of principle against your generalisation, I don't own a single mounted bird. I specialise in game birds and eat all I catch. I have no interest in trophies just as there are others interested in setting up a showcase, in hunters that delight in travelling to shoot birds, others that only like to shoot duck at sea, others that like trapping, others that only like rabbit hunting, others that shoot quail only and not turtle doves or vice versa or both, others that hunt mainly because they are passionate about gundogs, and the list goes on and on. To try and portray each and every hunter as a criminal who's only interest is in gunning down protected birds to be able to showcase is nothing but crass ignorance.
Yes, poachers whose sole aim is in gunning down rare birds for their showcase exist and it is only through education and law enforcement that these people will ever learn that this is no longer permissible.
But it cannot be used as an excuse to put an end to hunting and it surely doesn't follow that poacher shoots protected bird equals all hunters are poachers.
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 22nd 2010, 11:48
@ Mark Mifsud Bonnici:
"Very simple. if i had to keep all my trophies alive I would have to fed them would't I".
Interesting logic. Let's hope that parents do not take your hint, if you know what I mean.
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 22nd 2010, 11:45
"Do the millions of birds shot by other EU hunters belong to us as well?"
Actually, they belong to themselves. But one wants to think of birds as human property, then the answer would be yes.
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 22nd 2010, 11:42
@ Mark Mifsud Bonnici:
"Very simple. if i had to keep all my trophies alive I would have to fed them would't I".
You wouldn't have to feed them if you let them be free. They would feed themselves.
"So rather then opening a zoo I opted to collect birds in a lifelike manner".
So instead of keeping birds captive, you decided to kill them.
"Both zoos and collections of mounted animals are legal".
Hardly the point. Abortion is legal in most countries, but I'm assuming you still oppose it.
"You might detest them, but this is your hard luck".
This doesn't even deserve a reply.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jan 22nd 2010, 11:28
Kenneth Cassar
Very simple. if i had to keep all my trophies alive I would have to fed them would't I.
So rather then opening a zoo I opted to collect birds in a lifelike manner.
Both zoos and collections of mounted animals are legal. You might detest them, but this is your hard luck.
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 22nd 2010, 11:03
@ Manuel Borg:
No, the prize goes to whoever said that taxidermy saves on feeding bills.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 22nd 2010, 10:33
Charles Gauci, having picked up just one point from my lengthy comment confirms that you were stuck for words regarding the other points exposing the anti's untruths!
"The birds killed in the Maltese Islands belong to the whole of Europe". Do the millions of birds shot by other EU hunters belong to us as well? Does not appear to be the case for you here!
If you are to be taken seriously, I suggest you substantiate your claim that "few, if any, truly responsible hunters are to be found in the Maltese Islands." I assure you I know of MANY law-abiding hunters! But then, you seem to have become addicted with BLM's unfounded allegations!
S Mizzi
Jan 22nd 2010, 10:26
Mr Wiese, Mr Knott,
excerpts taken from BASC.com, the British association for shooting and conservation.
'The Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) is both Britain’s major agricultural bird pest and one of the most popular species for sporting shooting. It is legal to shoot the bird all the year round. The Woodpigeon makes good eating and provides nourishing cheap food.'
'Woodpigeon shooting is controlled by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in Britain and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 in Northern Ireland. Woodpigeons may be killed or taken by authorised persons at all times'
'In Britain the shooting of Collared Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and the feral pigeon (Columba livia) is also permitted all year round'
You aren't perhaps suggesting that the BASC are not aware of local law or are abusively misinforming their members about what is legally permitted in the UK are you?
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 22nd 2010, 10:07
@ Mark Mifsud Bonnici:
A definition of taxidermy was not necessary. Define it any way you like, the birds are still dead, no matter how lifelike. I also fail to see the connection between taxidermy and "saving thousands of euro on feeding bills". Perhaps you can explain.
M. Cardona
Jan 22nd 2010, 09:32
@ Jeff Knott Species Policy Officer Royal Society for the Protection of Birds The Lodge Sandy UK you have sufficiently and categorically proved to all and sundry that you too are what Dr Raine termed as "disconnected from reality".
How can you Dear Sir maintain that, "All huntable species in England have close seasons" when one can legally shoot 365 days a year the following "huntable species": wood pigeon, feral pigeon, collared dove, corvid species, including jackdaw, crow, magpie, jay, rook, gulls. You may wish to note that apart from the wood pigeon all other bird species are locally protected and yet can be shot 365 DAYS A YEAR in England!
This does not take into account current English culling of birds of prey. I shudder at the mere thought of the comments from people like you kind end if we were to shoot a goshawk or a buzzard locally for "culling purposes". Yet inspite of your paternal rhetoric, in England its permissible!
I have nothing against hunting in your country which quite apparently you know very little about! You can now pull the other leg please!
S Mizzi
Jan 22nd 2010, 08:05
Mr Knott,
you state: ' All huntable species in England have close seasons, spanning over few months depending on the species, where shooting them would be illegal. The exact dates of these vary between species, but importantly all forbid shooting during breeding period (spring & summer). '
Nothing can be farther from the truth. As an RSPB official you're surely aware that in your country, the taking of Wood Pigeon and Rabbit amongst other species, is permissible, through Defra, all year round by means of derogations applied for under the guise of pest control.
It is perfectly legal and you know it. All one has to do to find out the truth is to Google Wood Pigeon Shooting UK and one will find one's answer.
It is clear who is trying to misinform. Do you honestly believe the Maltese can't read or don't travel?
I can assure you that hundreds of Maltese hunters, regularly travel to the UK for pigeon shooting, at ALL times of the year, with valid permits for firearms importation and with valid hunting permits issued by UK Police. My guess is that Mr Cardona has not been misinformed but rather is speaking from experience.
Lino Farrugia
Jan 21st 2010, 22:34
"The country is not getting a bad name because of the people who report wildlife crimes..."
Why doesn't Dr. Raine ask Ms. Marie Louise Mangion, Head, Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit at the Malta Tourism Authority, who is BirdLife Malta President's wife, or Mr. Francis Albani Director (Tourism) from the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism who is also the Secretary of the Malta Ornis Committee, about the letters that they receive from would-be tourists complaining about what they hear regarding hunting in Malta from BirdLife Malta.
Bermudian Raine can then surely realise what and who is giving Malta, my country definitely never his, a bad name.
Manwel Borg
Jan 21st 2010, 22:01
The winner in the Best Entertaining Comment category is Dennis Cachia who starts off with “I spend countless hours roaming around in the maltese countryside” and ends with “a countryside that has been turned into …. a no-go area”.
Consolation prize goes to Mr Jeff Knott, with apologies to the RSPB.
Keep it up, guys, you're great.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jan 21st 2010, 21:32
R Curmi
You object to taxidermy, for your informationaccording to my dictionary this happens to be "the art or skill of preparing, stuffing, and presenting dead animal skins so that they appear lifelike".
You see it saves us hunters thousands of euro on feeding bills.
Ever been to a zoo Mr. Curmi? Whilst many enjoy a visit some detest such places.
You see it takes all sorts to make a world and just in case you're still purturbed about taxidermy, it happens to be very popular with all those that are fond of their hunting memories.
Ever heard of butterfly/moth collections or dried flowers. They reproduce too, don't you know.
It seems stamp collection is best for you. But then again paper is made from trees.
So what next Mr. Curmi? Abortion maybe oh I forgot, that's legal in some place too, no less then taxidermy you know!!
Hannelore Wiese
Jan 21st 2010, 21:24
Superb letter Dr. Raine! and thank you for your comprehensive comments Mr. Knott!
The statement, that the shooting season in the UK lasts 365 days must come from the same source as the the one claiming that Malta is not on a major migration route.
Charles Gauci
Jan 21st 2010, 21:12
@Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
''It is a fact that other illegalities besides hunting occur in Malta YET these are not splashed in the international media by any foreign-led NGO'
The reason is very simple. The birds killed in the Maltese Islands belong to the whole of Europe where they breed. European nature-protectiion NGO's have every right to protest againsst the rampant illegalities committed by Maltese so-called hunters.
By the way regularly reading comments posted on this post by self-labelled responsible hunters has convinced me that few, if any, truly responsible hunters are to be found in the Maltese Islands.
R CURMI
Jan 21st 2010, 19:25
just go to hunters houses at random and one would be impressed by the collection of dead birds inside some vetrina. I've been in 5 hunter houses and all had the same vetrina. Hence why I despise hunting. Such beautiful creature are meant to run free and reproduce for all to enjoy but seem certain individuals are way to egositic to care
censu attard
Jan 21st 2010, 19:00
Hunting season in England for woodpigeon is open all year round just visit this web-site. http://www.basc.org.uk/en/codes-of-practice/woodpigeon-shooting.cfm These are facts not lies.
salvu abela
Jan 21st 2010, 18:53
In the UK the shooting-hunting season is open all year round especially for woodpigeon , Pigeon shooting is in the counties of North and East Yorkshire, stretching from Selby, York, Malton,Pickering,Driffield to Scarborough, A spring and winter crop list will be sent to each member every year detailing which farms we are shooting over and on which fields . Members have to book out before going to shoot, which means ringing the given number between 7-00pm and 8-00pm on Monday/Wednesday or Friday Evening. Members can be assured that when they book an area they will be the only ones sent there. On returning home a member would again ring in with details of the day to further enhance the pigeon outlook and to pass on any further help to other members. Best months are usually around harvest time but winter can produce some very testing birds, mostly mature, wary and sharp old hands. Young birds certainly predominate in the bags around August through to November. Year round shooting does not appear to reduce its numbers and in some quarters it is thought that the autumn cull actually helps the remaining birds survive a harsh winter on limited food supplies.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 21st 2010, 18:51
CONTD. "Malta continues to be the black spot for bird conservation." I would rather put it that BLM paint Malta this way. It is only the bad publicity that is higher in Malta. We are aware that illegal hunting is on a higher scale in other countries. Unfortunately, it is only the Maltese Government who has encouraged this bad publicity through his lack of action against those who are tarnishing Malta's reputation. This is indeed where the Maltese Government is expected "to take strong action"! It is a fact that other illegalities besides hunting occur in Malta YET these are not splashed in the International media by any foreign-led NGO! Andre Raine, you might impress a number of individuals BUT you have a long way to go to convince level-headed, non-blinkered individuals who know the meaning of being respectful and tolerant towards their co-citizens and aho above all are patriotic towards our dear Malta!!
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 21st 2010, 18:36
Andre Raine, one's credibility is gained through one's past actions. Therefore can you please enlighten me as to whether the following were true? 1. Milions of birds shot in Malta; 2. Malta is on a main migratory route; 3. The turtle-dove and quail are threatened species; 4. Autumn is an alternative to the Spring Hunting Season. I know that you will shy away from answering. AND SHY YOU SHOULD BE!! Well, the ECJ Ruling has really hit home! Recent BLM and Co's contributions in the media remind me of the usual run-up to the opening of the hunting season. Having their arms bound by the undertaking to abide by the ECJ ruling, BLM, in their frantic situation, are once again resorting to the media to try their past tactics (as mentioned above). Maybe, Andre Raine, should inform readers whether the illegal hunting and trapping reports mentioned in his letter are compiled in the same manner as Notes 1-4 above. Did the recommendations on "how to deal with illegal hunting and trapping" include having armed foreigners monitoring our countryside? CONTD.
John Matthews
Jan 21st 2010, 18:32
@ Adrian Aquilina Plese tell me who monitors hunting in the UK and is it accurate. @J Borg Are you telling me that the armed forces of any country are "thugs" just because they carry firearms?
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 21st 2010, 18:25
Franco Farrugia, my comment to T Mifsud applies to you as well! Your comments only serve to further encourage me to keep on championing the Maltese Hunters' cause. YOU JUST CANNOT DIGEST IT THAT A NON-HUNTER DEFENDS THEIR RIGHTS!
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jan 21st 2010, 17:58
Jeff Knot in the UK Pest control using shotguns, rifles and other methods, is permissable 365 days a year. Woodpigeon, rook, crow, jackdaw, magpie, collard doves, rabbits and other pest species are shot 365 days a year in the UK. Game shooting in the UK is regulated by season as he states but the shooting of pest species, which happens to be the most popular form of shooting is not. The 625,000 hunters in UK call this hunting what does Mr. Knott call it? Can Mr. Knot from Birdlife's partners the RSPB please explain who he's trying to fool.
K Spiteri
Jan 21st 2010, 16:59
mr raine who told you we have the longest hunting season in europe??? Always the same story. our seoson is from 1st september till 31st january . in september till 3pm while in other countries like england they can shoot all year round for some species because they call them pests. so pest do not breed in spring??. thats why we need our spring hunting back cos that is our right like we were promised before the referendum and cos its the only alternative to us.
Denis Cachia
Jan 21st 2010, 16:50
I spend countless hours roaming around in the maltese countryside and I can say that Andre` Raine is correct. Hunting in Malta is a mammoth of a problem and the authorities don't care to solve this problem. I have seen hundreds of birds of all species get shot in Malta. I have seen thousands of illegally built huntings hideouts, towers and rooms to conceal their weapons and birds. I have witnessed many countryside paths belonging to the public illegally blocked with gates to keep of the Police away from their illegal activities. And the end result? Poor breeding populations of resident birds, birds failing to breed at all because of hunting and trapping, and a countryside that has been turned into a dump site and a no-go area.
Jeff Knott
Jan 21st 2010, 15:32
@ M Cardona
I'm afraid that you have been misinformed on English hunting seasons. It is not true that "in England the hunting season is open 365 days a year". All huntable species in England have close seasons, spanning over a few months depending on the species, where shooting them would be illegal. The exact dates of these vary between species, but importantly all forbid shooting during breeding period (spring & summer).
It is also important to note that species such as pheasants are reared in captivity and released into the wild for game purposes; they are not truly "wild" birds in the normal sense. Furthermore, additional controls are in place, agreed with responsible shooters, to limit numbers of the legally huntable species taken under certain circumstances, for example, under extreme periods of cold weather. These controls are designed, with the full support of responsible shooters, to ensure that populations are not affected by legitimate shooting.
I hope this is sufficiently categorical to correct you're misunderstanding on this.
Jeff Knott
Species Policy Officer
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
The Lodge
Sandy
UK
Henry Fenech Azzopardi
Jan 21st 2010, 15:29
My reply to Dr. Raine is hopefully to be published soon but in the meantime I want to make my comments known for accuraccy sake. In my letter I did condemn illegal activity just as much as I condemn BL for their sensational publicity hamrming Malta. I was therefore totallly misquoted and the title in the letter does not justify the whole argument.
In my personal opinion Birdlife have changed track from their original plea to stop Spring Hunting because of the breeding season. They know they lost what they were so happy to say they won.
Now they are making pressure using llegal hunting, breeding is not a priority anymore. They want Spring Hunting closed because of I H. With the same argument they would also ask for Autumn season to remain closed because of illegal hunting.
Then they have the cheek to say that the abolition of hunting is not on Birdlife Agenda.
How can Birdlife be credible when from the same pen the public has to be fed continuous contradictions.
I have warned in the past that BL have a hidden agenda and Dr. Raine have given us ample prrof what was behind all this.
j n ebejer
Jan 21st 2010, 14:26
It does not make sense, or is an attempt to misguide, to quote or compare the local hunting situation with that of other countries. Particularly when it comes to assess the damage done by irresponsible acts like protected bird shooting or shooting in protected areas.
The size of our country, population density, dependency on any tourist product -expecially spring and winter season nature promotion market, leisure needs of the population and such more important factors place a heavier price tag on such irregularities than if committed in other countries.
There is no pro or against hunting bias which can justify the damage done to the delicate balance we are in. Unless contributors on this subject matter place due importance to what is more important they stand to loose credit. How can one ever quantify the damage done by just one protected species shot -maybe in a bird sanctuary; in full view of a community or the illegal erection of trapping hides on public land when in such a country which misses open public places and the view of wild fauna? The right to the enjoyment of protected species and public space in such a situation comes sacrosantly before much else.
Franco Farrugia
Jan 21st 2010, 13:23
@ T.Mifsud: Well-said, and well-spotted, sir.
J. Borg
Jan 21st 2010, 12:51
what this letter fails to mention is the fact of disproportionality between the density of population in Malta and the scant countryside - which is taken over by thugs carrying and using shotguns - at the detriment of the rest of the population and tourists alike who look forward to enjoy the same limited countryside in peace and safety!
M. Cardona
Jan 21st 2010, 12:46
@ Adrian Aquilina
Granted that you have every right to disagree with hunting. It's your right to form an own opinion and to hold your own perceptions.
Nonetheless, may you please highlight further on your allusions, "hunting is so cowardly..abusing animals being a sign of a social disorder.how do sociopaths start??killing animals.fact" Are you asserting that hunters are sociopaths?
You may wish to note that one of the traits of sociopaths is, "...a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others" . Do I perchance happen to have a right not to be unceremoniously defined as having a social disorder or a sociopath? Where does disregarding and violating my rights put YOU?
Antoine Grima
Jan 21st 2010, 11:57
What a load of rubish.We have the longest closed season and not the longest.September , December and January are more or less useless.We depend on migratory birds and not local.It's no use having an open season when there is nothing about.And as regards spring hunting for turtle dove , without this it's like telling a fisherman go fishing for anything he wants but not Lampuki.Spring season has always been and always will be our main hunting season.As regards ilegal hunting by poachers,that is not my problem,if you have video futige,catch the guilty and lock them up for good for all i care.I am a law abiding hunter and i have the right to hunt , even in spring .Ask the ECJ !!!!!!!
adrian aquilina
Jan 21st 2010, 11:21
good letter..and as far as u.k. goes hunting is monitored,people dont act like the fools here and sentances and policing is strong.the u.k. have the strongest animal protection laws,even giving a sentance for kicking a hedgehog and rightly so..hunting does not go on all year and not in public places...well done birdlife and everyone keep reporting abuses and pressure the government to give harsh sentances..hunting is so cowardly..abusing animals being a sign of a social disorder.how do sociopaths start??killing animals.fact
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 21st 2010, 11:02
Actually, I cannot stop laughing at your comment T Mifsud!! Do I bother you that much?!! Well, you will have to wait for my comment on the subject as I am busy right now! Meanwhile, M Cardona has presented an excellent contribution!
T Mifsud
Jan 21st 2010, 10:19
Let me guess who's fuming foam in the mouth right now :
The first to fire from the hip and the trigger happy fire-at-will, SZD!
M. Cardona
Jan 21st 2010, 09:56
Dear Dr Raine,
is England part of the Europe you quote? If your answer is yes, then you "are either disconnected from reality or" you "do not want the truth to be told" since in England the hunting season is open 365 days a year. Hence your argument that we have "the longest bird hunting season in Europe." proves you in the exact position you would have others depicted!
Maybe Dr Raine may also wish to expand on the hunting seasons in France, kindly do include the spring hunting of turtle doves (the very same streptopelia turtur). Or maybe Dr Raine may wish to expand further on the quail shooting season in Spain (yes Dr Raine coturnix coturnix) the very same species which you seek to deny us hunting in spring but which may nonetheless be hunted 365 days a year in Spain with a guaranteed bag of 100 heads per day for the sum of 2000 Euros per weekend!
Or maybe Dr Raine you may wish to expand further on the derogations for the shooting of finches in Northern Italy, the very same species you seek to deny the local trapping of.
Who is disconnected from reality?