Van driver shoots at protected birds - BirdLife

Johnny Xerri

Mar 21st 2010, 22:13

@ J Cutajar,

Then you should have spoken before the democratic obligation was entered into by the government, the PN and MIC.

I expect many things from government, but I only realistically believe that the democratic promise should be honoured.

As for your 'we expect....' When was any anti guaranteed through a democartic promise that hunting would be banned?

The antis are just expecting something that they were never guaranteed, and yet want hunters to give up something that was guaranteed through a democratic process. Maybe we should no longer hold elections and just go by the general sentiment expressed on the TOM online.

Johnny Xerri

Mar 21st 2010, 06:29

@ Chris Finch,

Yes I want everyone to pay the HYPOTHETIC fine if Malta is found guilty for applying the wrong derogation. This is because:

1. That is the price Malta would have to pay for decieving hunters in the 2003 referendum and election.

2. That is the price Malta would have to pay if the government does not know how to apply a derogation.

If Malta is not happy to pay the fine then it should have spoken prior to the EU referendum and election. You cannot have it both ways. If you want the hunters votes to count in the referendum, then you have to honour the obligation. If Malta does not want to honour the obligation then a retake of the referendum is due.

As for Alex Ellul,

Offending people and addressing them as children will get you nowhere. Offending people is just a signal of petty minds and lost arguments.

If you are man enough we could meet at any police station at any time and in front of witnesses report me to the police, 'Johnny Xerri kills protected birds'. Then let the police investigate me and then face legal action for defamation. Up for it?

shaun camilleri

Mar 20th 2010, 23:49

Why don't all the political parties condemn these people and ban all forms of killing and trapping. As well as ban them once and for all. In this way none of them (politicians) will loose their precious votes.

c farrugia

Mar 20th 2010, 19:19

I am surprised that so many of the usual supporters of the hunting lobby have kept off this news item. Is it the fact that there is film footage this time ?

Alex Ellul

Mar 20th 2010, 18:09

Johnny Xerri: You should stop driving and go to your hunting lodge on foot.
Now put your right hand on your heart and say: I have never shot at a protected bird in my whole life. Now there's a good boy.

V.Cutajar

Mar 20th 2010, 17:56

@Johnny Xerri.. If you heaven notice that "C.M. Cutajar" Only tryed to corect my spelling. My pont is that in Malta you harly see ay bird around because the hunters.You have point there about the drugs and the rest. The Police that they shoud do them job about the drugs, pornographic material and illegal weapons (not registered shotguns) and knives, But for me the police like to pick on small things only.

Johnny Xerri

Mar 20th 2010, 17:24

continued

Would anyone be happy to have his licence and car taken away if Imriehel speed limit continues to be disregared, or have his car confiscated and to use public transport, even if he did not commit a crime?

Just as much I am not happy to be condemmed for a crime that I did not do.

Alex Ellul mentioned:
Spring was closed during the past two seasons and Gonzi had the courag to close the before these due to the bird massacre at Qormi

During that day I was at home concluding my thesis. How fair is it that I was judged, prosecuted and found guilty for a crime which others did. How fair is it that the culprits were never caught, nobody was taken to court (or at least no mentioning was made, no official press release) and yet I was punished and had my season closed. And this for being at home.

How will stoping a legal activity, influence an already illegal acivity? I ask again:

Will banning alcohol reduce drug abuse?
Will banning sex reduce rapes?
Will banning tourists reduce illegal migrants?

Johnny Xerri

Mar 20th 2010, 17:14

@ Alex Ellul,

Joke of the year:
'The difference is driving abuse is proportionally low while hunting abuse is the norm.'

Are you aware of how many people lost their lives from driving abuse, and the accidents, NOT BUMPER TO BUMPER, but real ABUSIVE 'accidents' (road rage, rackless driving, overspeeding, illegal/rackless overtaking) happen on our roads esp coast road and by-passes?

In just one road, Imriehel by-pass over 10000 speeding tickets have been issued. Is this proportionally low for you? Not to mention the ticket contraventions for oneway entry, illegal parking, illegal overtaking, cars driven without proper lighting/indicators/brakelights.


Granted that driving is a need, however, in tiny Malta all one needs is a car the size of a smart. However, a lot of larger more powerful cars are registered.

Most importantly these cause much more pollution and for crying out loud THEY ARE INTENDED TO REACH SPEEDS MUCH GREATER THAN OUR NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT.

V.Cutajar

Mar 20th 2010, 16:34

@Johnny Xerri Who are you to say what police should and should not be doing? I bet that f police had to check each and every car in Malta they would find more drugs, pornographic material and illegal weapons (not registered shotguns) and knives, then registered shotguns. And maybe the police would find a loaded shotgun, but the 'polece' would never find a 'louding' one.

I do agree with you but the problem is why have in Malta hardly can see any bird because of the hunters. Yes the police should be catch the drugs dealers, porngrahic material and illegal. weapons.
How about we say that the POLICE start do some thing in the live not just pick on small things. That why we pay tax for.

One thing I like to tell you that "C.M. Cutajar" only try to corect my spelling okay.

ALex Ellul

Mar 20th 2010, 15:59

John Matthews: "How about ILLEGAL POACHERS kill protected birds.' how many times do I have to repeat it. It is licensed hunters who shoot down protected birds illegally, not poachers. Poachers are those who hunt without a license. Poachers do not exist in Malta. What we have are licensed hunters abusing of their license. You and your fellow pro-hunting lobby commenting in here often use the car driver analogy. It is the same as a lincensed car driver abusing of his killer car. The difference is driving abuse is proportionally low while hunting abuse is the norm. Also hunting we can do without while cars are a neseccity.QED.

Alex Elul

Mar 20th 2010, 14:59

@Johnny Xerri: "I bet that f police had to check each and every car in Malta they would find more drugs, pornographic material and illegal weapons (not registered shotguns) and knives, then registered shotguns". Let me tell you one thing If one hunter was not carrying a hunting shot gun in his car during the closed season, a friend of mine would still be alive today. I cannot mention names due to court procedings, but it is the truth.

Alex Elul

Mar 20th 2010, 14:56

@Johnny Xerri:Hunters are always trying to circumvent the law, even we had an increase in applications for wild rabbit hunting when the spring season was closed. I highly suspect that the reason is not rabbits, but FLYING PIGS.

Alex Elul

Mar 20th 2010, 14:54

@Johnny Xerri: "and is considering opening a spring season". Yes, the gov has a recommendation from Ornis to open the Spring season in a limited way. BUT WILL THE HUNTERS LIMIT THEMSELVES TO WHAT IS LEGAL? That is the milion dollar question. Spring was closed during the past two seasons and Gonzi had the courag to close the before these due to the bird massacre at Qormi. I am sure that if this one opens, and the usual thing occures, then I hope and I trust that it will be immediatedly closed, if it opens at all. Licensed hunters have already opened the season in an illegal way shooting down protected birds, illegally, all over Malta.

V Falzon

Mar 20th 2010, 14:33

@ John Matthews

You are right, Wales has some lovely tongue-twisters, but then I never boasted that "I know a little about Wales", did I?

joihn Matthews

Mar 20th 2010, 13:58

@ V Falzon
I'm sorry to have spelled the names of some of the places wrong HOWEVER perhaps you should come to Wales and teach me about the spelling there.

@ C Farrugia

ILK, ILK? Being a reasonable person, I do not tar all people with the same brush. Perhaps you should use this as a rough guide. How can you accuse ALL hunters as being poachers?

Johnny Xerri

Mar 20th 2010, 13:45

@ Aimee Fenech

'Guns should be outlawed, all guns owned by the public should be collected and disposed of. If you want to shoot you can go to the shooting range.'

Stop dreaming, confiscating a legally bought and registered gun, on which import duty, VAT and registration fees have been paid, and that has not been used in a crime amounts to stealing.

You and your ilk have such a warped vision that you don't even considering if your proposal makes sense, is logical and if the proposal is legal. Believing that you are above any law and that only your opinion or wishes count.

As for being above the law we have a clear example from Franco Farrugia:

'If I had been the LSA, I would not need MUT's condemnation and the Police to investigate. I would have taught that warden a lesson in good manners, myself.'

Can Mr Franco Farrugia elaborate how he would have taught the Warden a lesson in good manners?

His silence and the fact that he was methodology was not condemed by any anti, makes me worry of what we are to expect if the season is opened. Maybe more dirty tricks, provocation, frameups?

Johnny Xerri

Mar 20th 2010, 13:04

@ Anthony Dimech,

So according to Mr Dimech we should leave the brids alone so that he can enjoy them. Then what about the birds that other EU hunters shoot. Try to ban hunting in the rest of the EU so that you will have more birds to see. Most probably from the income hunting generates in these countries 'jibatuk tixejer fejn qad ma rajt dawl'. That's why foriegners object to hunting in Malta BUT NOT IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD.

Are you aware that there are over 10,000,000 hunters in the EU? So by discriminating against 17000, you would be solving natures problems?

Hunting is already banned during March, yet this incident happened in March. Furthermore, this illegality happened on a protected bird. Can anyone thus explain to me how banning legal hunting will stop the persecution of birds of prey in April/May? Do you really believe that opening a season on game birds or else banning it will make a differnce to the poaching activity?

Its like saying that by banning tabacco or alcohol (which are perfectly legal), junkies will not take drugs.

Its like saying that by making consensual sex (perfectly legal activity) illegal, rapists will not rape.

V Falzon

Mar 20th 2010, 12:59

@ John Matthews. "I DO know a bit about Malta"

If you want us to believe that, how about you learn to spell place names correctly! You got four out of six wrong! Tsk tsk!

As for HUNTERS vs POACHERS, how about FKNK teaches us the difference? How about they start by chucking out of their federation all hunters caught breaking the law (= poachers), starting with one of their own leaders? But they won't of course, their ranks will be too seriously depleted.

Aimee Fenech

Mar 20th 2010, 12:44

Guns should be outlawed, all guns owned by the public should be collected and disposed of. If you want to shoot you can go to the shooting range.

A. Borg

Mar 20th 2010, 11:45

Min irid jispara jmur jispara fuq il-plattini u jhalli dawn il-hlejjaq biex ingawduhom ahna. L-awtoritajiet ghandhom jaqtghu darba ghal dejjem dan il-massakru. Jien ma nafx xi pjacir huwa dan li toqtol tajra innocenti. Mank kienet tispara lura ghax hadd ma jmur ghall-kacca!

C Farrugia

Mar 20th 2010, 11:35

The photographic evidence of this evil act will keep all those who allege that Birdlife invents its stories quiet. Maybe next time you should put this on YouTube and show well the car registration number. And then refer the police to it ...

@John Matthews and people of his ilk
As many people who can attest to 'hunting' activity in Malta, they know that most gun-owners are nothing better than poachers. Who needs to hunt in a small and well-off place like that unless they need to satisfy some twisted instinct?

@Johnny Xerri
We the people are duty bound to help police in their duties and also to keep tabs on what they do. Otherwise we will sink surely and steadily into a police state. Countries like ours have a dire recollection of this, as others like S Africa and Eastern Europe. If this episode can be equated to sustainable hunting then give me drive by shootings anytime. BTW, I think you meant 'than' registered shotguns and not 'then'

MSciberras

Mar 20th 2010, 11:10

I applauid - and am acutely embarassed by - The Times's decision tp publish comments in the language they are sent. Reading some of the atrocious English is truly depressing. Malta has TWO official languages, Maltese, an ancient language that we are so proud of and that distinguishes us, and ENGLISH, which is the lingua franca of the world and opens doors for us - the huge economic benefits of knowing English cannot be measured. Please, please Times of Malta, someone, anyone - have the guts to embark on a campaign to safeguard our English.

Johnny Xerri

Mar 20th 2010, 10:43

@ CM & V Cutajar,

Birds of the same flock fly...

Same spelling mistakes, same recycled garbage, same hatred....but no facts

The Polece they shoud stop hunters drivers to see if the GUNS are not louding in the vehicle and they take eccion

1. Who are you to say what police should and should not be doing? I bet that f police had to check each and every car in Malta they would find more drugs, pornographic material and illegal weapons (not registered shotguns) and knives, then registered shotguns. And maybe the police would find a loaded shotgun, but the 'polece' would never find a 'louding' one.

2. They cannot take 'eccion' because they never 'lern',

But if some people had to take 'action' and 'learn' what hunting entails then all Malta would learn how to repect the hunter for all the trees they plant, all the hard work in their fields to manange a habitat and conserve what is left of the little countryside that we have.

Sustainable hunting is practiced world-wide, why should hunting be banned on Malta? Maybe to give poachers every chance they want, so that BLM can continue on their fund raising mission?

Marie Mifsud

Mar 20th 2010, 10:29

Keep up the good work birdlife!

John Matthews

Mar 19th 2010, 21:00

@ V Falzon Same old Story

You have ASSUMED that hunters kill protected birds.

How about ILLEGAL POACHERS kill protected birds.

Let Birdlife EXPOSE ILLEGAL SHOOTING and I will back them 100%

HOWEVER

If Birdlife make false or non factual statements, they should be punished AND have their grants taken away.

Let's have fairness and truth eh?

@C M Cutajar

The police need to control the POACHERS not the hunters. There is a difference you know, and, I'm sure the police are doing their best given the fact that there are 10,000 hunters and only a few stupid poachers that give the bone fide hunter a bad name. It is very difficult to police just a few "rogues"

@ Mario Tabone

Just to put your mind at rest, I have family in the following places. Birzebuggia, Birkekara, Paola, Marsascala, Hom Pesch and F'Gura to name but a few. Perhaps now you will realise I DO know a bit about Malta, even if having family in these places doesn't prove much.

Leonard cachia

Mar 19th 2010, 20:52

When are we going to see some goodwill from people like Mr.Falzon who has just one agenda to Stop hunting in Malta.If he wants to learn something about goodwill read today's FKNK Proposals just to get an idea.
Well done FKNK and keep up the good work you are doing!!!

C.M. Cutajar

Mar 19th 2010, 19:54

I can't believe that the Police in Malta never learn how to control the hunters. The Police should stop hunters drivers to see if the GUNS are not louding in the vehicle and they take action. Even if is in the season they should not have guns out from the pockets in the vehicle. But I think that in Malta they never learn how to act. I like the police do some think before is to late.

V. Cutajar

Mar 19th 2010, 16:03

I can't belife the Police in Malta never lern. The Polece they shoud stop hunters drivers to see if the GUNS are not louding in the vehicle and they take eccion. Even if is in the season time they are not shoud have guns out from the pockets in the vehicle. But I think that in Malta they never lern how to act.
I like the police do some think before is to late.

V Falzon

Mar 19th 2010, 15:52

@ Leonard Cachia "Same old story!!"

Well what DO you expect? Hansel and Gretel? If you keep killing protected birds, BirdLife will keep biting at your ankles. As long as kestrels and herons keep pelting down, BirdLife will be there to expose the crime. If you need a different story, go buy a book.

"When are our bird lovers in Malta going to change their attitude versus us hunters?"

That's an easy one! They will only change their attitude when you change yours, throw away your weapons and stop destroying nature. Until then, dear Mr Cachia, you can safely bet that you will be whining "same old story" for many years to come.

John Matthews

Mar 19th 2010, 15:41

@ Mario Tabone

From your writings you have portrayed yourself as an extremist and other writers have noticed this.

Would you agree with me that if Birdlife Malta state falsehoods, they also should be punished?

PLUS Mr Tabone, you and others like you have ASSUMED that I know nothing about Maltese hunters. Is this because I have an English name? As I pointed out to another young lady in a previous letter "I have probably forgotten more about Matla than you have ever learnt"

Leonard Cachia

Mar 19th 2010, 15:10

Same old story!! When are our bird lovers in Malta going to change their attitude versus us hunters? They have all the right to enjoy bird watching and also the conservation of the bird's habitat, by the way we do this too. But always generalizing that all Maltese hunters are slaughtering and killing thousands of protected birds is not fair at all, because of "some stupid and irresponsible poacher”, and always when the opening of our hunting season is near!! Why?
The government is collecting enough money from our hunting licenses to employ more green wardens, to SEE!! And control any illegal hunting which birdlife is reporting but rest assured that very few poachers’ not true hunters will be prosecuted as this is really minimal to what I always read in the press.
I will be really happy to be invited by Birdlife to see where all these massacres are taken place, as for this past month on my early walks in the countryside I haven't heard a single shoot!!
Finally dear hunters from Malta and Gozo I hope that you will have a GREAT SHORTENED hunting season from the 10th of April as PROMISED and confirmed by ORNIS.

Publio Rosso

Mar 19th 2010, 12:50

A typical incident with the same scene which we have now been witnessing over and over again. A criminal carries a loaded gun in his vehicle, suddenly stops the car and shoots at a protected bird, indeed a very vile act. These barbaric actions cause nothing but damage to our environment, our country in general and above all, to the perpetrators themselves. I sincerely wish that this moron gets life imprisonment, but unfortunately, I can only hope for the maximum prescribed by law.

On the other hand there are those who seem to find enjoyment in the fact that these incidents happen – those who, with lust, use these crimes in aid of their goal – What will you cry out loud Mr. Mario Tabone: “BAN HUNTING”?. This lust is many times purposely fed to the Tourist industry to damage the local economy – a crime at least as barbaric as the shooting at protected birds. Why don’t we all cry out loud “BAN THE ENTIRE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH” given the pedophilia charges of some moron priests; recently a very hot topic but which failed to attract half the attention Spring Hunting did.

Anthony Grech

Mar 19th 2010, 12:34

Can you imagine a lazier sadder idiot than some who can't even bother to get out from his car to shot a bird. And for what reason, did he even try and collect his prize? It sounds like he sat in his van shot a bird and drove off. How exactly is this a sport? As for voting one way or another both parties fall over themselves to pander to these hunters. What a bunch of cowards we are. We shake in our boots everytime some bully starts to shout. Our country would be a much better place if we stood up to bullies and protected the innocent from such small minded clowns. Just because there are people who like to do things doesn't mean they have the right to infringe on every other person on this island. Grow up Malta and take a stand, it might have a knock on effect of putting thugs on notice in every part of our island.

Johnny Xerri

Mar 19th 2010, 11:51

Then Mr Ellul you have a serious problem, because PN defended the hunters ECJ court case and is considering opening a spring season. So much so that even the government appointed advisors at the ornis adviced in favour of an opening of the season. PL set up a working group with the hunters and Micheal Falzon even presented a protest in parliament.

So what intellegent move will you do?
PL who has always been in favour of hunters?
PN which is battling to keep its referendum promise?

As for your claim that hunters vote only labour, its just a wild guess, nobody knows how one votes but how do you explain that Rabat, Siggiewi, Mosta, Zebbug, Mellieha and best of all Gozo, are all busting with hunters and PN manages to garnish plenty of votes? Do you seriously believe that Dr Edward Fenech Adami, Dr Simon Busuttil, PN and MIC would have promised hunters all those lovely guarantees if there vote was unimportant, or if they knew that hunters would not vote yes?

Moreover, there were PN & AD MEP candidates that wanted a ban, so one could vote PN or AD but everybody knows the result of such candidates.

Alex Ellul

Mar 19th 2010, 11:29

@Johnny Xerri: "You can’t use hunters for votes and then discard them. " How true. Same for many other sections of society. Only many others consider hunting as the lowest of importance in the order of things, Life at top.

Johnny Xerri

Mar 19th 2010, 09:47

@ Alex Ellul

'This barbaric act is an eye opener to the authorities. This is what we will have come April. Remember that those voters who, although silent, abhor this type of behavior are in a great majority and we will remember when the voting times arrive. That party which best controls the environment will get our vote, otherwise there is not much difference in our politicians. The appeaser will be the loser.'

I guess that is why Alternativa Democratica, Edward Demicoli and Alan Deidun made such a huge impact. They delayed the vote counting process and people had to work overtime to count their votes....lol....not even 2 pence worth of votes...lol....it seems that your majority is not only silent....but is also inactive....lol....

Johnny Xerri

Mar 19th 2010, 09:41

As for the fines that Chris Finch likes to mention:

1. The ECJ cannot impose a fine on illegal hunting if a season is opened. No country has ever been fined for illegal hunting simply because no country authorizes illegal hunting.

2.Illegal hunting is not related to legal hunting. Facts show that even in closed seasons illegal hunting is still practiced. Do you believe that if the season is banned the poacher will say 'I would better not poach during this spring season, because hunting is banned'? If I am not mistaken the poacher who according to BLM shot at birds of prey from his vehicle did so during the closed season. What will stop other poachers from poaching during April and May, instead of during normally banned months, such as February, March, June?

3. Mr Finch also likes to mention that fines should be paid by hunters. Please not that hunters were needed for the EU referendum. You cannot use hunters to get into the EU that the Malta gets the benefits of EU membership and then expect hunters to be burdened with the cost.

A democratic manifesto has to be honoured, or else a retake should be done

Johnny Xerri

Mar 19th 2010, 09:19

@ Franco Farrugia,

You commented:
'If I had been the LSA, I would not need MUT's condemnation and the Police to investigate. I would have taught that warden a lesson in good manners, myself.'

Can Mr Franco Farrugia elaborate how he would have taught the Warden a lesson in good manners?

It seems that the law of the jungle is what Mr Farrugia deems best.

I on the other hand, believe in democracy and its legal pillars.

Illegal hunting is just that ILLEGAL. Banning a season will not help. I mean its close season right now and poachers still shoot illegally. What will change if the season is banned? Right now it’s close season from 1 February till 1st September, but poachers still poach. So what exactly has this solved?

Back in 2003 illegal hunting was still practiced by poachers, and yet hunters were promised a hunting season. The manifesto with spring hunting included got the go ahead. A lot of antis will say ' hunters still did not vote yes', then why was there the need to include them if they will not vote yes?

You can’t use hunters for votes and then discard them.

cont

Christopher Grainger

Mar 19th 2010, 05:36

Along with many others, I await the first report in the Times of Malta of a group of legitimate hunters being witness to illegal activity of this kind, reporting it, and assisting in the arrest and conviction of the transgressor.

It's your sport guys ... and your responsibility to preserve it.

Mario Tabone

Mar 19th 2010, 01:18

How very convenient. Once again its a poacher !!!! The number of times we have heard this excuse . The reality is that Maltese hunters have never had any regard for the law or for wildlife itself. All they have ever been interested in is getting the trophy.
This is exactly why we should have a similar law as the UK's Wildlife Act where it is illegal to shoot bird other than under specified schedules. This basically allows for the killing of certain birds where there is a need for it . Other species are bred for shoots . Ultimately it is illegal for song birds, rare species and migrating birds amongst others to be blasted out of the sky for the sole reason of being stuffed as a trophy in some hunters lounge !!
The government needs to act because it has been proved that in Malta self regulation does not work.
Last but not least I will say to Mr John Matthews......If you really believe that this was down to poachers then your naivity surpasses even your lack of knowledge of Maltese hunters.
Yes I will cry out loud Mr Matthews, BAN HUNTING .

D. Farrugia

Mar 19th 2010, 00:11

These are the sort of fines that will deter irresponsible acts! The case below refers not only to drugs but also to dead protected birds. However, it is not specified whether possession of protected birds influenced the 18-year sentence.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100318/local/fisherman-convicted-in-drugs-trial

Henry Fenech Azzopardi

Mar 18th 2010, 23:07

@ Chris Finch

Further to my remarks in answer to yours I would like you to keep on records the following scenario which I predict that may happen once that the Spring Season is on.

Birdlife will turn their attention to the bag limits instead of the protected birds and we will start having a propaganda on how many turtle doves/quails are shot.

Once that the excuse of protected birds was not even considered by the European Court of Justice their only possibility is to try and make pressure about the quantity of captured birds despite that these are not protected.

It is amazing how you have not yet realised that Birdlife are not after the safety of protected birds but after the total abolition of hunting.

A simple example Birdlife voted against the tapping of four species TURTLE DOVE, QUAIL, PLOVER AND TRUSH. These are huntable birds but still they prefer to have them shot dead and not trapped alive.

THESE ARE MINUTED FACTS. Do you have an explanation Mr Finch? These are supposed to be the defenders of the wild birds. Their aim is only one, abolish hunting/trapping even if it means tarnishing Malta's image internationally. Support them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Henry Fenech Azzopardi

Mar 18th 2010, 22:47

@ Cris Finch.

It is BIRDLIFE AND ITS FOREIGN LEADERS that are scaring and threatening with fines and you are just repeating as if a tape recorder their continuous repetition of fines that are non existent.

Malta happens to have an able Prime Minister that will not open any Spring Hunting unless he is absolutely convinced that their will not be the slightest possibility of fines.

The only problem with you Mr Finch is that you do not have any trust in you Prime Minister but at the same time you digest all that BIRDLIFE has to say.

We may be small as an island but very big at international level and no European Commisssion is to dictate to us what to do.

The Prime Minister has been consistent all along and went through the saga untill he was proved right.

Malta has shown all Europe that we stand to no big brother to tell us what to do. WE have become the envy of other European Countries like Cyprus requesting the same facilities to have a Spring Hunting, only to be told by the EC that this applies only to Malta, thus confirming of SpringHunting.

BE PROUD MR FINCH

r sammut

Mar 18th 2010, 22:38

Peew what a chore, going through the long string of comments…! Hey you guys there is not even an officially declared season opening date, yet!

Shooting from the middle of the road, carrying a loaded shotgun in a vehicle, shooting at a protected bird, and all in a closed season! Need other violations to make this incident be other than the idiotic act of a poacher?

For a change BirdLife say to have it all caught on film! This has long been expected by everybody, the more so by bone fide hunters. Apart the usual BirdLife hype, poof to apprehend such rogues. Bringing to justice of this individual will be a good deterrent to others. Till then we are keeping fingers crossed, waiting for BirdLife to come up with the juice!

Real hunters are certainly nail biting at the moment, but definitely not roaming the countryside with loaded guns. Why then blame all and sundry?

M. Cardona

Mar 18th 2010, 22:31

@ Alex Ellul,

believe me many and that many also includes individuals from your side of this debate, are also extremely fed up at being led by their noses by certain "individuals".

You are right Sur Ellul in stating that "This is what we will have come April." We will have continuous misleading statements where particular incidents get blown out of proportion to highlight an agenda which is ultimately NOT to curb illegal hunting. If that were the case, BLM would have gladly supported FKNK's warden proposals!

Our international esteem has been tarnished by those who blow incidents to suit their fund oriented agendas!

Finally, I hope for the sake of whoever heeds your prophecies of perdition, that the votes you claim in support are somewhat more than the handful of Birdlifers at last Saturday's protest! BTW I am sure one in particular can't even vote, and although quite vociferous is simply a KANNOL BLA KREMA!

M. Cardona

Mar 18th 2010, 22:11

@ Franco Farrugia

I was not trying to teach YOUuuuuuuuu anything, I was merely stating a FACT. And since you were too busy "laughing" to get the whiff of what I meant let me spell it out for you....you condemn human interference i.e hunting, but you do not object to the multitude of cats which constitute a constant human introduced and maintained predator! That is what I meant!

Since we live in a civilized society, where ideas and opinions should be mutually respected I took your very amiable advise and found myself a hole. You can now find yours and make it deep cause since misery loves company you can invite all like minded to join you. The world could be such a better place without people always condemning, commenting and complaining without a penny's worth of actual contribution!

BTW sur "gentleman" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_bvT-DGcWw
Enjoy!

s sammut

Mar 18th 2010, 22:04

@joe muscat
Sorry ta imma il licenzja tas sewqan ijja hobby? x'inhu l-izjed importanti ghalik li issuq karozza biex tasal ghax xol, jew licenzja biex tuza ic center biex tispara?

Get real man!

joe muscat

Mar 18th 2010, 19:16

Mela skont il-kummenti li qieghed naqra, il-gvern ghandu jabolixxi il-licenzja tas-sewqan, ghax hawn hafna jiksru il-ligi .....tahsbu li taghmel sens ? dazgur li le, li ghandu jsir hu li min jabbuza mid delizzju tal-kacca ghandu jhallas ta ghemilu , imma mhux jehel kulhadd, naf li hafna minkhom se taqbzu u tikkummentaw kontra imma dan skont jien hu kollu minhabba il-mibeghda li hafna nies ghandhom ghal kaccaturi, li hafna minnha giet minhabba li BLM dejjem xerdet u hamget kemm felhet lil kaccaturi.

KBURI LI JIEN KACCATUR LI NOBDI L-LIGI

John Matthews

Mar 18th 2010, 18:58

@ Mario Tabone

For crying out loud grow up. It should be obvious to any sane person that this act was carried out by a poacher or better still a complete idiot. Why do you and others condemn the legal hunters? bearing in mind that the hunting season has not yet opened, therefore this idiot is breaking the law in several respects. I do not necessarily agree with BLM but I sincerely hope that the culprit is caught using the BLM tape evidence AND if so he is punished in a suitable manner , not a slap on the wrist.

Andrew Gatt

Mar 18th 2010, 18:43

Here we go again. More disgusting poaching incidents of shot PROTECTED species, OUT of season in any case, and by a minority that is unwilling or unable to wake up and realise it's 2010 and not 1970.

Catch them, fine them, confiscate their weapons, withdraw their licences (if they even have any!) and jail them if necessary. The sooner the better. But please leave me and thousands of other law-abiding hunters out of it and stop the collective finger-pointing, calls for outright bans and other hysterical and downright undemocratic screeching. As usual we were at home. As usual we were obeying the law.

And Spring Hunting has nothing to do with this debate. What do poachers care about laws and seasons anyway? We have asked for the introduction of Game Wardens. A much stronger ALE. A Wildlife Crime unit. Not a peep so far.

Makes me wonder. After the surprise ECJ verdict, is this inaction a convenient way of giving the poachers enough rope to hang us all - an easy way out to then say "heqq, your fault!".

Franco Farrugia

Mar 18th 2010, 18:42

@M Cardona: When I first started reading your comment, I said to myself: let's see now, what this 'gentleman' has to tell me and where he found me lacking. Then, as I continued reading, I merely laughed: I was not amazed, because I am used to antics from people like you. I just laughed at the thought of you, trying to teach ME and trying to convince me that the human being should be copying the cat's natural instinct. If you want to live by natural instinct, find a hole in the ground and bury yourself in it, because, sir, living in society is NOT, repeat NOT, living by instinct. We live in a civilised society - or should - and not in the law of the jungle.

Chris Finch

Mar 18th 2010, 18:35

If anyone was in doubt, we clearly see what hunters are capable of.

HFA, you say why should all hunters be punished because of this person, then you want the government to open a spring season. Are you willing to collect the ECJ fine from your fellow hunters, because why should every Maltese citizen pay for the actions of a few? You can't have it both ways sir.

SZD, I see after yesterday's verdict in the UK you are no longer mentioning those opposed to hunting as murderers, I hope you will offer an apology to this man, madam for tarnishing his good name.

mark sultana

Mar 18th 2010, 17:23

Dear Prime Minister

Abolish Spring Hunting, not beacuse the eu imposes it, not because you will get our country heaviliy fined, not because it will help with law enforcement, but because of the real issue which is - birds flying towards their nesting grounds to breed should not be killed. That is the main value which no hunter can argue against without expressing the egoistic nature of this activity.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Mar 18th 2010, 17:13

Connecting such a vile act with legal hunting is similar to saying that since people are convicted of murder, robbery or other despicable crime, all people are criminals.

The perpetrator of this and other similar acts should undoubtedly get what they deserve. Considering the delicate situation our prime minister is in at the moment regarding the opening of spring hunting season, the maximum penalty should unquestionably be applied.

As a legal hunter that sees my pastime threatened by such people I await the court judgement. Hopefully considering the indifference of such people, the court will contemplate the revocation of this persons license and his weapons apart from the maximum fine or jail term.

Using this and similar incidents as an excuse to ban all hunting is as despicable as the act itself. If the few people that commit such acts are any basis on what to judge all hunters then the intended amplification of such acts becomes obvious.

Hunters have committed themselves to report any such incidents. It is now up to the courts to deter any future incidents.

Forbidding legal hunters from exercising their legal hunting will only make similar crimes easier to commit.

p abela

Mar 18th 2010, 17:11

So by now the police should have identified this man who for the sake of all should be named and justiced. A statement by the ALE is expected. If not, it gives more reason to suspect it is another Birld life tell tale.....by the way I have a feeling I have seen this photograph before..or perhaps I am wrong!
pva

D. Farrugia

Mar 18th 2010, 17:06

The subject here is shooting of protected birds, so I will limit my discourse to bird protection. We desperately need to have a wildlife crime unit set up and running as soon as possible. If the countryside must be 'littered' with wildlife enforcement officers then be it. POLITICIANS need to wake up from their deep sleep and apathy and realise that with or without spring hunting illegal shooting of protected birds remains an ongoing activity. Current state of affairs is appalling. It is such a shame that protected birds continue to be the target of irresponsible ignorant and selfish individuals. Self regulation can hardly be the solution during the open season (which hunter will testify against a poacher or indeed a fellow hunter??), let alone during the closed season.

POLITICIANS please note: we need a legal system beefed up with hefty fines and imprisonment for repeat offenders. Furthermore, the sentence must be handed down through a wildlife crime law court not some other conventional law court that has no idea (or appreciation) of wildlife. This should also benefit the law-abiding hunters. Let's reform the legal system if we want to see an end to shooting of protected birds!

Alex Ellul

Mar 18th 2010, 17:01

A.Damato: Your (ill)logic is typical of a loser's argument. There are no permits to carry out hold-ups, drug-trafficking and other crimes. But there are permits issued for hunting and it is people who carry such permits who are abusing this permit in a grossly criminal way. While driving is a basic necessity to modern life, and driving is not meant to kill or maim but to carry people from A to B, as in to travel to work, to earn a living, to get an education, to go for a holiday, to get an injured or sick person to hospital etc. etc. while hunting is an anachronistic activity whose sole intent is to kill birds, whether legally or illegally. This country cannot spend useless money to control a bunch of uncontrollable (as in self-control) licensed hunters who year after year keep on abusing their license to the detriment of our international esteem, environment, ecology and tourist industry. If I were the owner of a hotel or other holiday resort or such entity, I would be in the forefront of a campaign to abolish hunting.

Hans Van't hof

Mar 18th 2010, 16:59

Dusgusting some individuals will never learn, and the best place for them is to crawl back down that hole they come out from.... Savages* Barbarians who are a tiny minority making Malta's image as the Bird Butchers of the Med,. we see it all over our news papers here in Holland. As we have the finest bird sanctury in the world Flevoland Bird sanctuary, which will shame your country for letting such morons to ignore your local laws. Glad i live in Holland and not in your country. Goed Day . Malta is off our list at least for this year till some people learn to be civilized.

nazzareno dimech

Mar 18th 2010, 16:42

@ A Damato
you forgot to mention mobile phones because some one used it to hit some body else

Alex Ellul

Mar 18th 2010, 16:42

@M. Cardona et hunters al: One swallow does not a summer make. But many do. And we are just fed up, sick, with the constant barbaric attitude of the mainstream Maltese hunter. This maniac who shot at the protected bird from inside his vehicle is not the fringe but is the mainstream, the epitome of Maltese hunters. Those few that go by the law have to suffer with these man.

This barbaric act is an eye opener to the authorities. This is what we will have come April. Remember that those voters who, although silent, abhor this type of behavior are in a great majority and we will remember when the voting times arrive. That party which best controls the environment will get our vote, otherwise there is not much difference in our politicians. The appeaser will be the loser.

Your comment "and this could be stopped with some mutual co-operation". This can only be stopped by abolishing hunting. It's been like this for ages without any hope of things getting better. The only good times we had was when the Spring season remain closed for hunting. That as a taste of heaven on earth.

Henry Fenech Azzopardi

Mar 18th 2010, 16:29

I appeal to Birdlife that once that they have all the evidence in hand they keep track and insist on immedeate conviction before the announcement of the Spring Season so that the poachers will have an example of what to expect if caught in an illegal act.

I expect that the maximum penalty should be given if proved guilty so that we shall not have Birdlife disheartened by under the minimum sentences.

I am still waiting for the announcement of the Spring Season dates and nothing should stop the government from giving us the very long overdue Spring Season.

The media should follow this particular case because it will serve as an eye opener for any possible future offenders.

I am a law abiding hunter and there are thousands like me, and we should not be penalised for the wromg doings of others.

Is Sewwa jirbah zgur. Fliemkien kollox possibli and so I look forward to the opening of spring hunting, maybe then the pressure on the government from the antis will ease up a bit.

M. Cardona

Mar 18th 2010, 16:12

@ Franco Farrugia

you never cease to amaze me. There you were just yesterday defending the poor cats maintaining that the only harm they do is;

"U iva, qed jidhlulek fil-gnien u jpixxu naqra ... b'daqshekk, hemm bzonn noqghodu niktbu u ngergru?"

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100316/local/attard-cat-woman-told-to-remove-the-strays-from-public-garden

Today you claim that,"Hunting and trapping are negative things, because they go against life and respect for the dignity of birds."

Well Mr Farrugia just for your kind enlightenment, the very same cats you defended so vehemently do not simply pee, they are a constant risk to the (local not migratory) budding colony of barbary x collared doves colony in that area. They are also a constant threat to any possible breeding finches including chaffinches and green finches (since this is one of the few areas in Malta with year round fresh water). Don't your dear beloved cats "go against life and respect for the dignity of birds" in this case.

I know its all ok as long as its not the hateful hunters!

marco meli

Mar 18th 2010, 16:08

Soooo predictable birdlife!!! But as a hunter i have my doubts about the incident. 1: When aiming at a bird one must require some space to aim and take a firm stand, imagine being seated, aiming and firing!
2: Series of illegal shooting??? when where?
3: 'filmed the driver driving off" ... is that evidence?
Come on birdlife respect the verdict given by the europen court

A.Damato

Mar 18th 2010, 16:05

All this noise and panic from the antis just because these are hunting related crimes. None of you speak up when other crimes are reported such as hold-ups, drug trafficking and so on . These crimes as all other illegalities are to be condemned without any if's or but's. There is the police and is it's job to address such incidents, that's why we pay our taxes. But for god's sake, speaking about abolishing ALL hunting just because some POACHERS persist in illegal acts is utterly stupid and shows the real and true hidden agenda of those writing here. Abolish hunting because some poachers break the law but with this reasoning we should remove all vehicles from our roads as some drivers over-speed and cause accidents, close discos and abolish parties beacuse some people take drugs, abolish football matches as some supporters turn violent, abolish village feasts as some rival band club enthusiasts engage in fights, dissolve the church as some priests abuse children and the list goes on and on. Illegalities always were, currently are and will always be present in all sectors of our society and it's the duty of the authorities to address them !!!!

M. Cardona

Mar 18th 2010, 15:54

This very clearly highlights what several have been claiming all along i.e. that abolishing spring hunting ironically benefits those few who persist with such illegalities. Actually it's much the better if the season remains closed as they do not find any hindrance from the hunting fraternity.

@ Birdlife Malta one swallow never made a spring! You know that reality is not what you are trying to depict, and this could be stopped with some mutual co-operation rather than constant antagonism.

Franco Farrugia

Mar 18th 2010, 15:43

I always believed in Birdlife, no matter what the pro-hunting lobby says, particularly the more vociferous ones. Now that Birdlife have proof of what they are saying, some are claiming that this is a one-off - 'this time'! How can we continue to look the other way when birds in the sky are being shot down for the simple reason that some cave man or cave woman claim it to be a 'pastime', a 'sport'! Yes, abolition is the only way out. Hunting and trapping are negative things, because they go against life and respect for the dignity of birds.

s sammut

Mar 18th 2010, 15:39

@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
You reall amaze me !

Why you always blame BLM (tactics ETC) and you never blame the "not law obiding hunter" for such criminal acts????!?

You can easily be the president of the maltese hunting federations!

David Hill

Mar 18th 2010, 15:38

In the UK if you use a vheicle to carry out an act op poaching then you can not only loose your gun, be fined and even imprisoned but you can loose the vehicle as well. This makes it a very much more expensive act.

" Forfeiture of vehicles.
4A. — (1) Where a person is convicted of an offence under section thirty of the Game Act 1831 as one of five or more persons liable under that section and the court is satisfied that any vehicle belonging to him or in his possession or under his control at the relevant time has been used for the purpose of committing or facilitating the commission of the offence, the court may make an order for forfeiture under this subsection in respect of that vehicle.

see

E. Azzopardi

Mar 18th 2010, 15:06

This is exactly why there should be no MORE spring hunting or no more hunting at all.
We cannot control ourselves. Period.

Henry Fenech Azzopardi

Mar 18th 2010, 14:57

WELL DONE BIRDLIFE at least for once you have proof of the poacher and he can get what he deserves, but please do not ask the authorities to penalise me and fellow hunters for the wrong of some one else.

The season is still closed and as I had already said the poachers can only be disciplined by our presence in the country. It would be a free hand to the poachers if we are not given the opportunity to give our contribution towards self regulation. This is ample proof that illegal activity do no need the opening of the season.

Birdlife again as expected are using this case to abolish hunting but at the same time encouraging the poachers. I keep on inviting Birdlife to join forces and fight against illegal activity.

Start off by getting the CABS snd using a calculator and escorted by the police report all that is illegal in the presence of the police.

I hope Birdlife will not be wasting their prescious time counting the turtle dove/quails caught instead of preventing the distruction of protected birds.

How about making pressure on MEPA to stop the distruction of what is left of our country.

J Azzopardi

Mar 18th 2010, 14:46

This is just more proof that none, most of all the hunters association, is able to discipline the hunters. Given these circumstances the ban on hunting should persist.

Nature lovers, families who want to enjoy the countryside in peace and safety, and others who are simply fed up of this situation have votes too. PL and PN take note!!

Charles Muscat

Mar 18th 2010, 14:44

You can't teach old dog new tricks. A sunami is needed to cover Malta and new bread will emerg.

N Abela

Mar 18th 2010, 14:39

ashamed to be Maltese...yes i am indeed cos hunting is a barbaric sport and these hunters all think they r G.I. Joes' that can go around shooting everything..shame on them!!!! stop hunting immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

S Vella

Mar 18th 2010, 14:30

Please distinguish between poachers and hunters!!
I am a hunter and the licence does not authorise anyone to run around with a loaded gun in his car let alone shoot from the car window.
WE HUNTERS are against poachers and I am glad to hear that the video footage will be passed on to the police! Now I hope that the authoroities punish this poacher not give him some silly fine because it is unfair that thousands of HUNTERS suffer because of irresponsable poachers, and it is also unfair and irresponsable that people start writing comments to ban hunting! and to hear comments from BLM putting hunters and poachers in the same basket.
I think it is about time that the government announce the dates of the Spring hunting season...it is causing more tension....two more days it will be Spring MR GOVERNMENT, dont give poachers more chance to obscure us please, and be more free to hunt illegally.

W Spencer

Mar 18th 2010, 14:05

A little bird versus a person with a shotgun ? To call these " birdie shooters " hunters, is an insult to REAL hunters !! Give them a spear, and ask them to hunt a lion or elephant, etc, well maybe not, as that would take bravery and skill.

Anthony A. Mifsud

Mar 18th 2010, 14:02

Weldone, BLM is this another Blood Oranges Vendor?
As I know the way it goes, as when I was young the Vegie vendor used to break an orange to prove that the oranges he is selling contained blood.
I hope this not another commic BLM pulling a fast one from the bag!!
Give us a break
Toni

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 18th 2010, 13:41

As anticipated, BLM's mission has started! They can never accept that the Maltese Law-Abiding Hunters may rightfully enjoy their Spring Hunting Season in a legal manner!

P Camilleri, who are "They". Definitely not the many law-abiding hunters! I believe you were referring to poachers. These are the ones who must be condemned, caught and punished! You have no right to generalise! Illegalities occur in all sectors of society YET we do not place law-breakers with law-abiding citizens.

Joe Barbara, "It is a disgrace that the vast majority of the population has to suffer the lawlessness of these armed bullies". Similarly, it is a disgrace that the vast majority of the law-abiding hunters have to suffer the lawlessness of these poachers!

Reading through the many comments below really saddens me! Where is the love and respect towards thy neighbour?!

The Maltese Government is expected to enforce the law while respecting the law-abiding hunters' rights! The hunting season is presently closed yet poaching is reported as having occurred. This clearly shows that acceding to BLM's wishes not to open the Spring Hunting Season will not deter poachers!

Antoine Grima

Mar 18th 2010, 13:30

With a spring hunting season open there will be less illegalities , because law abiding hunters like my self , will stop irresponsible people from breaking the law . To stop illegal hunting , ALE need the help of hunters . These cowboys breaking the law , do not want an open season , so that they can do what they want . Nobody has more interest in getting rid of illegal hunting than the law abiding hunter . All those breaking the law , should be fined heavily , have there licence took of them and thrown in prison . Then we will see for how long will these cowboys keep on persisting on breaking the law .

G.Micallef

Mar 18th 2010, 13:25

@ COMMISSIONER OF POLICE - MR JOHN RIZZO

Please, for good practice sake: This man's driving licence should be withdrawn with immediate effect, his vehicle and shotgun should be confiscated. He should also be punished for acting in such an immature and hazardous manner to detriment of third parties.

s sammut

Mar 18th 2010, 13:21

@ C. Borg(Proud Hunter)
How do you propose to catch these "hunters" doing such acts?
Many of you (hunters) know who are people (hunters) who are doing such acts! If you are really a genuine hunter, you should report them yourself!

Nyal Xuereb

Mar 18th 2010, 13:17

@ M Cassar. It is evident that you do not know anything about shotguns. What about we who used them for clay shooting? This list includes medal winners representing Malta in international shoots. And what about those who have collecters' items worth thousands? How cheeky.

E.Schembri

Mar 18th 2010, 13:14

We are living in a disgusting time, not only have we destroyed the environment through litter, over construction and illegal water pumping, but we also have these ignorant bullies running around in their cars with armed weapons blasting everything that moves.
And the fault lies with the authorities who are unable to set their priorities right. We spend millions trying to embellish the Valletta entrance while at the same time allowing the rest of the country to fall into a rubbished graveyard deprived of nature.
Mr Gonzi, the solution is simple!, postpone the Valletta project for another 2 years and invest all the funds in the ALE and green wardens (not traffic wardens). Anyone caught littering, hunting or vandalising must be jailed for at least one year, plus a hefty fine and forced to restore the damage. Within two years nobody will dare hunt, litter or destroy public property.... and Malta will be a clean, beautiful, friendly country that welcomes tourist and most important our own selves and children.
But this is just a dream, this will never happen as both parties are only interested in votes and unveiling silver plaques, and not our environment.

m.anastasi

Mar 18th 2010, 13:08

Killing is a Hunter's Pleasure
At the very moment of killing a bird, hunters experience a kick, and they should come out of the closet and confess to it. Most significant is that they are to die one day too. Certain about this one fact, they snuff out the life of animals. By doing so, they provide themselves with the sensation of being in control of nature and all its frightening certainty of death.
Isn't the frequently criticized “pleasure of killing’’ nothing else but a “devoted pursuit to overcome death by mastering nature”, they cannot experience their emotional achievement, without having to annihilate the life of an animal.... Hunting cannot be up for grabs without pre-meditated killing. Passionate hunters want to kill. Hunting without murdering would be an expression that would annul itself… It 's all about passion, greed & lust but they disguise it as a hobby or pass time
A poacher is simply a hunter that got caught shooting illegaly.

laurence schembri

Mar 18th 2010, 13:07

What a pity that birds cannot shoot back. One word Morons.
Take his licence and shootgun away for good, these idiot do not deserve any better.

S Sammut

Mar 18th 2010, 13:03

Sorry everyone bliaming BLM why? Cause only BLM report such incidents!
This is a true evidence that many particular HUNTERS have learn NO LESSONS AT ALL!
PM, still opening spring season? We're really a country of Amateurs!!!

C Mallia

Mar 18th 2010, 13:00

Its the close season and already it looks like the wild west. May this person be prosecuted to the maximum penalty of the law. As usual the likes of Mifsud Bonnici's, Ms Get-yr-facts-right Darmanin and Borg Cardona's will either strangely dissappear from this news item or try to make it seem that we are living on another planet.

g.c.Forte

Mar 18th 2010, 13:00

Sur gvern u sur oppozizjoni....Wasal iz zmien li tigbru kull senter tal kacca li ghawn, u thallu biss dawk li juzaw fir "ranges "sabiex jisparaw fuq il plattini. Il gvern ghandu jorganizza kompetizzjoni Nazzjonali... tipo bhal tal football, jew tal basket ball, ghal kaccaturi kemm individwali u kemm bhala club. Il premju ghandu ikun kbir sabiex jaljena lil kaccaturi, milli jisparaw fuq tjur hajjin, u minflokk jiehdu sehem u jisparaw fuq il plattini.

Joe Camilleri

Mar 18th 2010, 12:59

All this fuss about hunting. Hunting doesn't have to do anything with what happened here. So most of these comment are supeflous and are just hatred against a legally world wide approved hobby.

The person who shot this kestrel or people like him, for them it does not matter if there is or isn't spring hunting or if it open season or not. They just go out and poach.

As D.Caruana rightly said, for some no poaching = no job .....

Andy Towler

Mar 18th 2010, 12:35

I agree fully with the first 2 commenters. We are supposed to be a civilised people, and there is no need for this disgusting slaughter in the 21st century, whether legally sanctioned or not.

And to those hunters who (as usual) say "well, other countries like Britain allow more hunting than Malta", I would simply say that just because other countries do something, it doesn't automatically make it right. I would love to see hunting for pleasure stopped in all countries, not just Malta.

M cassar

Mar 18th 2010, 12:32

There's only 1 solution. Start taking away shotgun licences. This will serve well for both sides of the argument.

Joseph Barbara

Mar 18th 2010, 12:31

Unfortunately, our politicians are too concerned with the hunters' votes than with the real horror of this so called sport. The leaders of both main parties should unite and abolish hunting completely and include this in our constitution. This would eliminate the 'blackmailing' by the hunters once and for all. It is a disgrace that the vast majority of the population has to suffer the lawlessness of these armed bullies who are so arrogant to even call themselves conservationists. How sick is that!

Mario Tabone

Mar 18th 2010, 12:27

I hope the Labour Party MP Michael Falzon includes this in his petition to parliament.
This is disgraceful and confirms that the Hunters and Trappers cannot be trusted to abide by the law.
All voters should pledge their vote in the next election to the party who in cludes in their manifesto the total banning of hunting in Malta and Gozo.
This must also include a change in the law to include tough prison sentences to anybody caught breaking the law.
These so called hunters cannot be trusted . They could not give two hoots about anybody elses wishes or rights.
Please people of Malta and Gozo..... voice your opinion and don't just lay back and watch the destruction of what little countryside and wildlife we have left.

Christopher Ripard

Mar 18th 2010, 12:11

This is what Messrs. Borg-Cardona (David) and their like call "communing with nature" No doubt, he will pretend to condemn the slaughter . . . and do nothing about it. (Not his job, you see).

cynthia grech

Mar 18th 2010, 12:11

Can't these people shoot at something else not living creatures?? don't they realize that birds hurt when they are shot? Maybe it is because I love animals but I really and truly can't imagine what pleasure these hunters get by killing another fellow living being! Do they crave so much power? Keep up the good work BIrdlife

Thomas Degiorgio

Mar 18th 2010, 12:09

What worries me most isn't that the driver shot at birds from his car, what was he doing with a firearm ready to be shot in his van!! What if he had a traffic accident and lost his temper... he would have grabbed the firearm and shot who would have just colided with him!

D.Mallia

Mar 18th 2010, 12:09

only ONE patrol vehicle available????

Andrew Vella

Mar 18th 2010, 12:06

Again and again, season after another we see and hear about protected birds shot down. For how long will the government and authorities keep blind about such events?

As for the hunters, they need to learn that this they and age they are not the only ones in the countryside and their barbaric acts even in remote places, are being witnessed by others. Stop denying, the state of affairs are there for everyone to see with his eyes...

L.Schembri

Mar 18th 2010, 12:04

This ''Hobby'' is becoming almost perverse. A gunshot wound is already painful to a human let alone a small bird! We have NO right to shoot down any animal without necessity- we DO NOT dominate this planet....this is DISGRACEFUL, im ashamed of being Maltese right now.

D Hamilton

Mar 18th 2010, 12:03

Hunting season is closed and he had a shooting weapon in his car..........I keep an air freshner !!!!!!!! maybe he likes the 'smoking gun' smell as odour in his car !!!!!

C. Borg

Mar 18th 2010, 12:02

I am a hunter a condemn who ever did this. This is not a hunter...

I am waiting for the government to give us the date when we can go out hunting.

Like me there are thousands. And like this person there are only dozens. We help the police to catch them and than these poachers will be given a good lesson by our law.

But to ban hunting because of a dozen (when we are thousands) it doesn't stand.

Proud to be a hunter.

Adrian Cachia

Mar 18th 2010, 11:56

No Offence to those hunters that respect the law but these people are those people that you hunters should report to the authorities, It is them that harm your reputation. I am against hunting but I do respect the tradition of hunting in a controlled enviroment. I do not however agree with this kind / type of hunting at all and would rather ban hunting until nothing like this is reported to the police!

G.Pisani

Mar 18th 2010, 11:53

Are we suppose to let Gonzi protect these hunters?? We are going to get fined by the EU and how are going to pay that fine Mr.Prime Minister? You were elected to hear the people(Majority) and not those few votes you want.

BLM well Done. You are doing the Job the authorities should be doing, keep it up

Paul Barrett

Mar 18th 2010, 11:50

Why are these people being so stupid. Can not these foolish poachers see the damage that they are doing to the legal and law abiding hunters - ruining it for everyone just because they can.

N Xuereb

Mar 18th 2010, 11:46

This is a clear case of poaching, as BLM said. Unfortunately these illegalities still happen in small numbers all year round. It’s not about open or closed season. Don’t tell me that anyone with the right state of mind will stop and shoot from a van. Most of those caught are always found without a license and using an unregistered gun. BLM know that the problem is lack of enforcement and lack of proper deterrents. Unfortunately these individuals are tarnishing Malta’s reputation and ruining the pastime of the birdwatchers and the genuine hunters. I appeal that more enforcement and increased deterrents, with more jail term, are introduced.

Jack Eason

Mar 18th 2010, 11:46

This so-called right among Maltese men has to be stopped for good. It is a barbarous act in this day and age to take potshots at any and all migratory birds crossing Maltese airspace...

Claudia Pecorella

Mar 18th 2010, 11:44

What is he doing travelling with a gun in his van?!?!?!?

mark tanti

Mar 18th 2010, 11:41

he got a very good deal. he acted in a rambo scene, now he will go to court and fined 50 euros. not much for such a vibe......... mickey mouse

D.Caruana

Mar 18th 2010, 11:29

Shame on this van driver who shot through his car window!! what was he thinking??!! and such a risk to shoot at a kestrel??? I mean, I would understand (not endorse) it if he had a rare bird in sight. But a Kestrel??
Andre Raine is becoming patethic in his quest to aboilsh hunting. As always however, I congratulate him ont he timing and for keeping up the pressure. After all it is his job and without illegalities going on, his job would be in serious jeopardy.
True or not, embrace yourselves for an indundation of such stories in the coming weeks ladies and gentlemen. This irrelative of an open season or not.

R Micallef

Mar 18th 2010, 11:25

This is a disgrace. We cannot afford keeping hunting legal only because a couple of people love shooting as a hobby. It is clear obvious that the absolute majority of this country are against hunting and are looking forward to the day that we have a safe enviorment and lead free country. Stop hunting NOW.

P. Camilleri

Mar 18th 2010, 11:22

They are shooting on protected birds when the hunting season is closed.... I dont even what to imagine what they will do when the hunting season will be open!! Its about time that the authorities open their eyes and prohibit this slaughter.