Hunters urged to mark their land
The FKNK Hunters' Federation has urged hunters and trappers who own or rent private land for hunting and trapping to install signs in English and German warning against trespassing.
The signs are 60cm by 40 cm. They are green so as to blend with the surroundings.
Members were invited to contact the federation to order the signs.
The federation said similar signs could be seen throughout Europe where hunting and trapping took place.
93 Comments
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Mario Tabone
Sep 18th 2010, 11:36
It is being said by some that no MEPA permit is required to put signs up wherever anybody wants. That might be the case but under the same context these signs would not be worth the plastic or material they are printed on !!!! They will not be enforcible by law.
This is just a posh way of replacing the RTO ,RISERVATO,KEEP OUT messages painted all over any bit of rock big enough throughout our countryside.
I would suggest that MEPA has overall control on the issue of any signs which would have to be governed by by-laws for that particular purpose.
I know that some places are private land but I would presume that within this land there will be a public right of way or footpath . Is the general public supposed to stop using these right of ways ? It seems that is what FKNK is suggesting .
I for one will not take any notice of any of these suggested signs until official confirmation is issued from the government about them and their legality.
Mentioning legality, could this be yet another illegal course of action by the hunters and their organisation ?
Steve Sant
Sep 11th 2010, 13:49
Where can I get a sign that says "PRIVATE PROPERTY, HUNTERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER HERE OR HUNT HERE". We have property and land which is trespassed by many hunters and many point the gun as you approach them, many with threats and verbal abuse. Can someone enlighten me.
John Azzopardi
Sep 9th 2010, 23:01
What a great idea. That is the beauty of private ownership and the basic fundamental human right that no one can take away in a democratic country. Do the people who roam our country side understand that though or do they feel that they are superior because they come fromj much greater land than ours. That's the question.
michael zarb
Sep 11th 2010, 12:31
If you had to believe every private property sign out then there there is absolutely no countryside in Malta which is not owned by someone!
How can we ensure that these green signs are being used only on private areas not on public lands also?
These signs are a good Idea, and the colour selection seems adequate. However they should be administered and controlled by MEPA, similarly other private property signs should likewise be controlled.
r sammut
Sep 9th 2010, 22:17
Why all the fuss about such signs? Bird sanctuaries not only display similar signs but are also fenced all round. Nobody ever batted an eyelid there!
This seemingly strange shift in values, allowing birds enjoy better rights of non-trespassing by humans that the humans can!
S. Camilleri
Sep 9th 2010, 19:23
What a good idea! That way these hunters have a field or two from which to hunt. Obviously if their field is RTO then they should not be allowed elsewhere to hunt and public land can then be used by the Public. Moreover the sign will tell CABS where to focus their attention ... always from outside the land in question ... but that is close enough!!!
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Sep 9th 2010, 19:12
Mark Vella, contrary to what you state, many individuals (non-hunters) are not bothered at all with hunting. Therefore, hunters, their families and many of these will make up much, much more than the 20,000. Besides, a true democracy demands respect to all minorities. Furthermore, the EU cannot ban hunting as this is a pastime practised by millions all over the EU. Therefore, keep on dreaming Sir!
S Azzopardi, "I hope that people will ignore these signs"! Hope you will practise what you preach and try trespassing onto my private property. I will definitely make use of all the legal tools available to make you pay for committing this illegality!
Meanwhile, to all antis: You are legally-bound not to trespass onto private property, whereas you are expected to share public land with hunters as well!
Paul A. Camilleri
Sep 9th 2010, 19:10
The best way to go about this Newly introduction, is that the local councils should install these signs as done in the past. One unique example is the one still showing when going down to bahrija. But as stated by one hunter further down the blog, and I agree with him 100 percent, is that the first people to shoot them down would be my fellow hunters.
Martin Pisani
Sep 9th 2010, 18:52
@ Joanna Saliba....it is 200mtrs from inhabited area.
@ Mr Colin Wicox...trespassing on private land is illegal full stop, not a case of damage nor otherwise. I shoot in the UK, no person is allowed to walk on private land under no circumstances,if one walks on a public footpath then that person has to stay on the footpath.
Where I shoot, Wales,manchester,shropshire,norwich,norfolk,essex,blackpool,brighton and the out skirts of london there are quite a few signs stating PRIVATE LAND but the difference is attitude, as many times public walkers take a different route whilst i am shooting pigeons over decoys, so they dont disturb me in my sport and it is safer for them.
I can actually say i have never had a problem whilst hunting in the uk. And CABS are no where to be seen!!!!
M.Pisani
Carmel Farrugia
Sep 9th 2010, 17:34
To all those that doubt whether these signs are being put up on private land or otherwise, I challenge you to contact the FKNK who will direct you to the exact location/s of these signs, and dare you to trespass. I am sure the FKNK would love to make such a test case with the usual armchair critics who never fail to attack anything regarding hunting.
As to the rest, I will just ask you to read "Foreigners policing the countryside" in today's edition of the Times, Letters section.
Franco Farrugia
Sep 9th 2010, 17:27
Birds in the sky should fly, carrying this caption:
WE DO NOT BELONG TO YOU,
O MALTESE HUNTER.
SO, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT
TO SHOOT US DOWN!
Mario Farrugia
Sep 9th 2010, 16:31
Some of you bright sparks here really amaze me with your logic...
@ colin wicox
are you for real? Do you mean I can trespass in your private home without any hassle, as long as I don't cause damage?
@ Jesmond Micallef
Which part of the message on the board do you not understand please? Never mind the German part... what about the English text? Is that a problem for you to understand????
@ Jason Scerri
The message is meant for reasonable human beings, Mr. Scerri. But I suppose not everyone has the power of reason....
@ Jason Attard
The sign CLEARLY refers to PRIVATE property, not public land.
@ R. Axisa
Why was the Maltese language left out? For the same reason why YOU wrote your comment in English!
and to all other "anti-hunting" extremists questioning the need of a MEPA permit...
I suppose none of you has a No-Parking sign in front of your garages (assuming you own one)? Maybe even one saying something like "You park, we tow".... If you do, have you got a Mepa permit for it?
Robert Agius
Sep 9th 2010, 18:24
Signs are easy to put up but what about borders? how is that going to be controlled?
Jesmond Micallef
Sep 9th 2010, 18:31
@Mario Farrugia, Thank you for calling me a "Bright Spark" ;-))
Robert Agius
Sep 9th 2010, 18:33
There is a big difference between having a no parking sign in front of garage (which is clearly yours) and a sign in the middle of nowhere. That is what I personally find worrying. I go regularly to the 'countryside' (practically non existent on this island) and i find RTO sprayed everywhere. I have serious doubts about them being private. If they are, then there is NO 'countryside' left.
Please note. Just because I speak against a sign it does not automatically put me in the 'anti-hunting' group. Even though I must say, the few incidents in which my walks in the 'wild' were spoiled happened because of hunters.
C.Cutajar
Sep 9th 2010, 16:28
It's good these signs are being put up, now CABS will know the exact locations to cover.Say cheese!
C. Abela
Sep 9th 2010, 16:19
@johnnyXerri
You openly talk about your hunting practices and blatantly go on to declare that you don't mind that people are woken up at 4.30am.
In this same forum you talk of hunters' rights..What about the rights of the non-hunting majority to have a full sleep before going to work, and not be woken up at 4.30am by some selfish individual just because he wants to start his day by killing some birds? If on a non- hunting day I come up to your home's boundary wall and turn on a loud radio before 5am just because "I don't mind" how will you feel?
No wonder there are so many against hunting. And with this self confessed arrogant and inconsiderate attitude you honestly expect the country to support you in your hobby and even give you more open season? ...
colin wicox
Sep 9th 2010, 16:01
what are they going to accuse the trespasers of unless the law is diferent in malta
the law of trespass is unenforcable unless damage is done
Peter Spiteri
Sep 10th 2010, 00:17
Wrong colin wicox. You have NO RIGHT to enter into private property and damage had got absolutely NOTHING to do with it.
Jesmond Micallef
Sep 9th 2010, 15:41
Furthermore to signs, I would also consider what actually the wording says. Precision is all too important in this competitive rat race and alpha entities will consider context, grammar and every single letter making up a word, in order to "alphate" their argument !! A very cleverly designed sign post, indeed.
Consider maybe, "Private Property - Do not Trespass". Private land property could maybe have consequences with regards to insurance cover, for example. Maltese authorities should forbid the use of non official languages on Maltese territory, in these and other instances. There could be legal misunderstandings, and we all know that the issue here is quite a hot one !!
Johnny Xerri
Sep 9th 2010, 15:12
To all those speaking against these signs be it for simple greed or be it for doubt over whether the land is really private, please feel free to enter. Then in court state that you entered because you beleive that all land private or not can be trespassed or that you did not beleive the sign.
Then the court will decide....apart from the fact that signs are not required since a trespasser cannot claim that he didn't know that the land was private since ignorance of the law is no excuse.
alex grech
Sep 9th 2010, 12:46
FKNK what about main and side roads from where they shoot with not hesitation can they put signs to? maybe you can get wardens to make sure no one enters these roads and what about the sea it seems (according to your own reasoning) its free from hunters now as no hunters owns or rent part of the sea hurrrrrrrra lets hope you stick to your guns now
Johnny Xerri
Sep 9th 2010, 15:07
please note that as part of the public we are entitled to make lawful use of public land.
Do people privately own the beaches they swim in?
Do people privately own the beaches they make BBQs on?
Do people privately own the land they go off-roading, rambling, picnicing on?
A waves length, tyically considered as 15ft all around the coast is public land. Hunters form part of the public, since they are maltese or EU citizens, pay licences and pay taxes. Thus they cannot be excluded from usage.
By the way if this bothers you so much, please speak up, I would gladly denounce my right to public land, should government excempt me from my public funding and remove my taxes.
Also do hotels who have permanently gained rights over public land bother you? Many hotels have property right up to the sea shore in complete violation from the 15ft public coast line
alex grech
Sep 9th 2010, 18:19
mr xerri do not turn round the argument to your liking i did not mentioned public land FKNK only said to put signs on rented and private land as regards public shore line you are right it is still public and i myself came across such a situation and after reasoning out with the hotel manager he accepted in letting me in to reach the shore line using the right approach, but i would not dare ask a hunter to go by an PUBLIC area if they are hunting my point was at least they cannot put sighns up at sea declaring it private.
Mr Morell
Sep 9th 2010, 12:44
Signs and regulations are a good initiative,
said association ought to remind all hunters that the shooting should be carried out a specific distance from homes/dwellings.....
Wied Ghomor/Victoria Gardens are always to the tune of bangs/booms
and that right under our terraces...
All Hunters ought to be guided better to stick to the permitted distances off residential homes and Hotels, too.
Jason Scerri
Sep 9th 2010, 12:40
Pity the birds can't read :-(
Joanna Saliba
Sep 9th 2010, 12:18
Can anyone tell me how many meters should the hunters stay from the building where people live? Cause I am almost sure that the hunter next to my bedroom window was too close, he woke me and my kids at five o'clock in the morning.
Johnny Xerri
Sep 9th 2010, 15:01
Pretty simple. 200 meters from inhabited areas.
An inhabited area implies that at least 100 people can live in the building or buildings.
So if a hunter is in a hide or area, from which a 200 meter radius does not capture a residence or residences in which 100 people can live, then he is perfectly legal.
In other words if you are the only household he can hunt from you boundary wall, and after the pain some antis are causing with their remarks, that is what I have ended up doing. I had fields from were I didn't hunt because I did not want to disturb, out of repect, but now after I have seen how we got a big thanks from the Maltese after the yes vote, I am hunting from them. And I'm glad some people end up woken at 430 or 5 am.
J Mangani
Sep 9th 2010, 12:04
Isn't a MEPA permit required to put up such a sign?
Jurgen Bugeja
Sep 9th 2010, 17:35
NO.
Phil Humphries
Sep 9th 2010, 11:39
This seems like a sensible measure, but why not take it a stage further… ?
How about making it law that any site used for hunting MUST display such a sign - a bit like a number plate, if you like? Of course, the signs would need to be issued by an appropriate Government Ministry, and not before it had been proven that the land is privately owned, its boundaries are clearly defined and that the landowner has given consent for it to be used for hunting. Each sign/licence would need to be reviewed annually and the costs would be covered by the hunting licence fee.
If this helps to distinguish between legal and illegal hunting activity and serves to reduce conflict between hunters, anti’s, tourists, ramblers etc. then it must be worth a try, mustn’t it? If nothing else, it would demonstrate to the EU that the Government is doing something to address this situation.
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 11:31
Dear Antis, For using a Private car park I pay, for using a private pool I pay, for entering a Private garden I pay, for using the road I pay, So can anyone please tell me what he expects from my private land?
Ramon Casha
Sep 9th 2010, 11:28
PLEASE instruct your members not to paint such notices on rocks and walls. At least these notices can be removed when the land is not used for hunting.
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 10:55
I can see that this move from FKNK really hurts the true bird lovers. As I always said the main issue in Malta is not hunting but the presence of hunters in the countryside.
It's a shame that no similar sign was made in Maltese that should read:
ART PRIVATA TIDHOLX U JEKK TIDHOL THALLIX MANDRA WARAJK.
Franco Farrugia
Sep 9th 2010, 10:34
MEPA,
POLICE,
MTA,
GOVERNMENT,
PLEASE NOTE AND TAKE ACTION AS APPROPRIATE.
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 10:59
Mr Franco Farrugia, mela qatt ma rajt tabelli, bhall Private Property, Private Parking, Private Pool, Private Garden, Private Lane, Private Beach,etc etc ghalfejn qieghed tiskanta issa ghax l'FKNK harget b'dawn l'istruzzjonijiet? Ghandi dritt niprotegi hwejjgi min nies li fejn jidhlu ihallu mizbla.
Gordon Sammut
Sep 9th 2010, 11:49
I agree. How come there has been no Ministry reaction? So now we can not go to the country side, because everywhere will be marked "Private". What a joke!!!!
Jurgen Bugeja
Sep 9th 2010, 12:11
Ghaliex le? Ahna nhallsu l-flus bhal ma nahseb hallast int biex tixtri dar ma nahsibx li trid lil xi hadd jidhol f'darek ux!!! Fuq kollox tikkumenta int Franco nahseb tifhem f'kollox imma nahseb bil-kontra ma tifhem f'xejn,dak bil-Malti jghidulu zatat!
Mark Vella
Sep 9th 2010, 15:10
And how are we certain the land is yours not appropriated illegally?
I say get MEPA to check before we end up with more illegal signs of Private Property or as some are written Prajvit Properti!!!
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 15:34
Mr Gordon Sammut, don't panic, these signs are meant for the CABS, however you can still enjoy the public countryside, the village gardens, and your backyard.:)
Jason Attard
Sep 9th 2010, 10:19
What about the hunters that trespass private property (including my own backyard 20 meters from my house) without any authorisation. Are they going to be prosecuted? Is the entry aloud for hunting purposes only? Any person hunting can enter or just the individual that owns or rents the land? if it is anybody hunting, then I might as well buy a gun just to have a nice walk on the countryside. All this is as ridiculous as hunting.
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 11:02
Mr Jason Attard, the sign applies for everyone, and you can always buy a gun to and have a nice walk, and to protect your backyard :)
A Grech
Sep 9th 2010, 10:16
...so when the poor bird drops dead in someone else's private land (not belonging to a hunter) what happens???
Do hunters have the right to trespass other peoples property so as to pick up their prey?
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 11:07
Mr A Grech they will have a right if permission is granted by the land owner, however most of the people do not ask for permission they just enter whether there is a sign or not. Moreover your argument does not justify entering where you please two wrongs do not make a right.
Jurgen Bugeja
Sep 9th 2010, 12:13
If you ask for permission you can trespass nahseb common sense din ux jek tezisti!!!
T.Agius
Sep 9th 2010, 10:16
Why do you people think that most hunters dwell in public land!!
I own a field and it isnt the first time that I found these ramblers or bird life people in my field!!
once I was having a BBQ with my family and all of a sudden I was greeted by a group bird life people asking about some shots that have been fired close by! in my own property! which to get in they either opened my gate or jumped a wall!!!!
is this good? is this not considered as intruding?
This is a good initiative!! dont abuse it and ruin its scope for the persons that actually have the right to use it!
J. Borg
Sep 9th 2010, 11:44
if you were with your family cooking food and shotguns were being used close by.....
guess i would be more concerned that none of my family members or the cooked food would be hit be lead shots - rather than anyone seeking to deter abuses.
Obviously provided you did not also possibly have your own shotgun handy just in case...
Mark Vella
Sep 9th 2010, 15:13
If they are accompanied by police or a mepa enforcer, they have all the right. Who know's, maybe it was you who was shooting.
M.Debono
Sep 9th 2010, 10:02
The only positive thing about this is that Malta will look greener from the air..I see they left out
'beware of hunter' & the inverted swastika.
C Mallia
Sep 9th 2010, 10:00
Before FKNK and land owners are permitted to do such things, the government should classify and register such lands properly. Then publish them on the internet to give the public a clear idea where it is really private and not. Government you have to step in.
As Malta is also a small country, the government should consider the possibility that when there are country walking lanes of touristic and common-good value, even if private, they are forced to be given access to the public as part of the condition of rent and ownership. Some countries do this.
Mark Vella
Sep 9th 2010, 10:33
Totally right! I sometimes venture in the countryside just to find a dead end because someone made an obvious illegal gate that i would not dare to trespass since we know of enough situations where shots accidentally happen to be cose to someone trespassing.
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 11:12
Mr Mallia I can see your frustration here, In the mean time respect others property and don't enter or else you'll be prosecuted.
@ Mr Vella, tell us how many people you may know that were shot?
Richard Cachia Zammit
Sep 9th 2010, 11:23
Definitely they also need to show that it is really private property because I myself have been driven out of an area when a trapper claimed that it was his. He even treatened me when doing so. But I knew for sure that the area was public land and later on, the police proved it. I am sure that I was not the first to be told to get out of a public place by some hunter or trapper claiming that it is their property. So by just putting up signs saying that it is private land is not enough because everyone can do that. They have to show some acceptable evidence to prove it.
J. Zammit Fiorentino
Sep 9th 2010, 12:10
Totally agree with both of you. It happened to me couple of years ago in Gozo. Was hiking near san lawrenz, gharb area with hunters crearly shooting not from far away...giving you that angry look...and obviously didn't see any private property signs. But obviously who would argue against a person or two who have a shotgun in hand!!!???
I agree with the concept of hunters marking ther land BUT........this thing is 2 way. u stay in your place and thats it....but as someone in the blog said...if a bird falls into another private property dont u dare trespassing but!!
Also i agree with actual governmental confirmation that the land is ACTUALLY private property!!!
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 15:26
Mr Richard Cachia Zammit, we heared your story many times,of course you will be shown evidence but at the courts. Now the next time you park your car in a private car park do not pay before the owner shows evidence that it's private, I was expecting more common sense from you.
Jesmond Micallef
Sep 9th 2010, 09:52
Em.....today is not the 1st of April......!!
I have never seen signs written in Maltese either in Germany or the United States of America. Whilst its very important that the signs are written on a Green background in order to blend with the environment, its also equally important that language integration blends with the human environment also.
J. Borg
Sep 9th 2010, 09:52
Whenever Local Councils mark no-parking bays they are supposed to get MTA's approval.
Now, whilst it is a step in the right direction to have private 'hunting' land duly marked - it would be opportune to first officially verify that such land is actually private, and in cases where it is rented, the owner's consent to be used for hunting.
Ramblers Association has been at the forefront to kick the authorities' ino action on this matter (verifying private land claims) - but seems that the latter are not eager to take up the task.
It is now also up to the Commissioner of Police to clarify what action should CABs take if they witness a protected bird killed from a shot fired from a private land?
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 11:17
J.Borg, Ramblers Association has been at the forefront to kick the authorities' ino action on this matter (verifying private land claims) - but seems that the latter are not eager to take up the task.
If this happens, the Ramblers can stay home. The Ramblers are the main culprits of entering whereever they please, I've seen with my own eyes, and don't dare to pull their attention.
S.Azzopardi
Sep 9th 2010, 09:33
Can i pick one from FKNK so i will book some land ????
I hope that people will ignore these signs unless they are accompanied by at least a copy of the proof of purchase or rent !
G.pisani
Sep 9th 2010, 09:25
Haha blends with the surroundings, what about the gun fire?
BAN HUNTING MR. PRIME MINISTER!
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 11:19
Frustrated indeed hahaha. Just do like most of us did and invest in the GREEN.
Bonello David
Sep 9th 2010, 11:55
To everyone against hunting, HUDU PACENZJA cos hunting is here to stay FOR EVER, whether you like it or not. 20,000 hunter's votes count as well Mr Pisani.
Mark Vella
Sep 9th 2010, 15:24
@ David Bonello
20,000 Hunter's votes?..... LOL
What do they mean all those votes if all parties oppose illegal hunting and what will you do if the EU say no to hunting. Don't be a fool and look at the facts, 20,000 Hunters against a population of 250,000 that don't want hunting at all, I guess they have a bigger say if you can count more that the ammount of bullents in your gun.
Then again, you mean that 20,000 hunters will vote the party in favor of hunting, regardless of what their family needs? don't you think that there are more important facts to consider before giving your vote?
Please please please, don't make us laugh!!!! LOL
Joseph E Briffa
Sep 9th 2010, 09:17
So this will put an end to the RTO (Riservato) scribbles which are all over the place, and which will now be meaningless and can be utterly ignored by ramblers..
E.CIantar
Sep 9th 2010, 17:05
@JEB
Ramblers who ignore valid signs do so at the risk of being prosecuted. So careful with your statement.
Mark Thorogood
Sep 9th 2010, 09:08
Why aren't the signs in Maltese as well ?
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 11:22
For Maltese it will only be. THALLIX HMIEG WARAJK :) and probably you will not find the sign.
m.ellul
Sep 9th 2010, 09:00
does FKNK have the necessary control measures so that they make sure that whoever requests a sign is the rightful owner of the land or has the necessary permissions of rent. I remember that instead of a sign, you just needed a tin of paint and write 'RTO' and voila. And also, don't you think that there should be some sort of control mark on the sign, it could easily copied and used illegally.
Antoine Grima
Sep 9th 2010, 08:57
Very good idea.If the signs are up there are no excuses.Never thought i'd be putting up signs on my property to stop foreign intruders.Than again some people call it progress and freedom of movement.I call it invasion of private property by arrogant foreign bullies who would not dare do this in their own country so they are picking on Malta , hoping that with Malta being small , they can bully people around.THINK AGAIN.
C. Dimech
Sep 9th 2010, 08:55
From where can one get them??
R Axisa
Sep 9th 2010, 08:54
"signs in English and German" - and in Maltese? Why was our mother language left out?
gcForte
Sep 9th 2010, 10:02
Ser nghejdilek bil Malti,,,,,,,,,Ghax il Maltin jistaw jidhlu, sabiex inkomplu bit tradizzjoni tan nanniet taghna li naqbdu il bebbux.
Jesmond Micallef
Sep 9th 2010, 10:05
Deductive logic seems to suggest its becuase of German CABS involvement in ths issue. Remember the swastika signs painted on some stone rubble walls. I could indeed be totally wrong, and if so would expect to be corrected here. Its european emotional intelligence.
M.Bezzina
Sep 9th 2010, 13:27
Cos the message is destined to CABS........not to the maltese except for Birdlife!!
R.Caruana
Sep 9th 2010, 08:51
Nispera li dawk il-ftit kaccaturi njuranti ma jisparawx fuq dawn it-tabelli wkoll. Tabelli bhal Rabat, Mgar,Siggiewi,Delimara,Bahrija miksijin comb!
gcForte
Sep 9th 2010, 08:47
ATTENTION........Do not forget to put some mines,barbed wire, guard dogs.......and what ever it takes to protect your lands.............It sounds exciting. But wait a minute, the birds comes from the sky and not from land.
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 11:27
Come on gcForte kemm tara bibien, garaxxijiet,pixxini, gonna miftuhin ghal kulhadd? jien ghandi dritt naghmel xatba bhall ma int ghandek dritt taghmel xi alarm, jew cctv, jew xi kelb kbir, biex tiprotegi hwejjgek.
Ian Christie
Sep 9th 2010, 08:45
And how can we determine if indeed the land is private or not. I've seen "RTO" signs in the middle of Public roads and places which we definitely not owned by the hunters.
Anton Borg
Sep 9th 2010, 08:44
Installations of such signs need to be covered by a Mepa permit. An application for such a permit should only be accepted with a valid Cerificate of Ownership of the land in question. One hopes that this will be strictly enforced! MEPA (Malta ENVIRONMENT and planning authority) please taken serious note!
Nyal Xuereb
Sep 9th 2010, 08:38
Great idea, I'll also put a sign identical to it on private land which is not used for hunting.
lmercieca
Sep 9th 2010, 08:37
Such signs need a MEPA permit to be installed in the countryside for obvious reasons including land ownership issues..... Such a sign would be illegal without such a permit.
FKNK as an organisation representing thousands of hunters should know this.
E.CIantar
Sep 9th 2010, 17:02
@lmercieca:
Can you tell us where, according to the MEPA law, MEPA is trusted with land ownership authority?
victor vella
Sep 9th 2010, 08:30
Are we entitled to put up signs everywhere saying that shooting on birds of prey is illegal, and hunter will be prosecuted?
by the way, do these signs need mepa approval, for each and everyone of them?
Jason Abdilla
Sep 9th 2010, 08:24
'they are green to blend with the surroundings' LOL .... the sound of gunfire really blends in with the surrounding too !!!
PS i sincerely hope that these signs are only put up on PRIVATE LAND
adrian agius
Sep 9th 2010, 08:26
Prosecuted by whom?????????????
peter agius
Sep 9th 2010, 08:43
For them everywhere is Private (i.e. theirs'), even country lanes and reservations such as Buskett and Salini.
Bonello David
Sep 9th 2010, 08:48
Hunters should install a sign in maltese as well, so people like you Mr Abdilla would be advised not to trespass in private lands, in case you can't read english or german language. Yes the sound of gunfire really blends with the surroundings too, where hunting has been active for hundreds of years, like in every EU country.
joeseph galea
Sep 9th 2010, 09:13
Same thoughts shared.
Will some authority be controlling if these signs will be placed on public land?
Will these signs carry some official stamp?
If trees are destroyed on public property so easily then putting up these signs is much easier.
How will joe, the non hunting citizen or tourist, know that htis GREEN sign has a GREEN light?
I can see thunderstorms on the horizon!
joe the plumber
J. Borg
Sep 9th 2010, 09:28
Interesting initiative or is it?
Now such signs should also indicate the REGISTERED TITLE / AGREEMENT for the exclusive use of the land in question..... I can put a similar sign at any location for that matter. Who would check me?
Jason Abdilla
Sep 9th 2010, 10:15
Mr Bonello,
What would make you think I can't read English ? Is the fact that i commented (in English) on an article in English ?
As for your comment about gunfire ..... hallina siehbi !!! maybe you could start using a Bow & Arrow
Anthony Formosa
Sep 9th 2010, 10:50
@ J.Borg, You can put whatever you like. However you can always contest any sign by trespassing.
john zammit
Sep 9th 2010, 13:11
Dera Sir
First of all you should do the signs in maltese, stop trashing the Maltese tongue,and be proud of it, believe me i travel and i never see a sign in maltese, why because they are proud of the country tongue they that they speak.
Paul Borg
Sep 9th 2010, 14:23
Peter Agius, according to law all alleys, including those in the countryside, are rivate and can be closed off....most if not all country lanes are indeed privately owned and privatly maintained. Don't abuse of the good faith of the owners who don't close them off....