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Monday, September 20, 2010, 14:28

Updated: Woman 'assaulted' at Mizieb, CABS official punched

A 26-year old volunteer was assaulted this morning as she was searching for the remains of dead birds at Mizieb.

Fiona Burrows, from Nottingham, who is in Malta with the CABS team monitoring hunting in Malta, said she was alone when two men assaulted her, grabbing her and her bag.

She said she thought she was going to be abducted, but as she screamed repeatedly, her friends arrived and the men, who she said were hunters, demanded that she take them to whoever was leading her team.

Once they met the CABS leaders a heated argument ensued, with the hunters insisting that the CABS volunteers had no right to be at Mizieb.

At one time a German official from CABS was punched.

The situation was calmed down by a policeman who was accompanying the CABS team.

Ms Burrows said she was not injured, but has filed a police report.

CABS said they would be pressing charges against the two men.

Meanwhile, CABS and BirdLife Malta officials said at a press conference this afternoon that a year since they had discovered a ‘cemetery’ of birds in Mizieb, no proper investigation had been held.

They said that their volunteers in a search of sections of Mizieb this morning found 77 dead birds within a few hours. Most were hidden under stones and twigs, and included protected species.

Inaction to curb abuse was empowering hunters to commit illegalities, David Conlin, CABS team coordinator said. He insisted that the police force should have an environmental crime unit for ongoing monitoring and investigation of such matters.

Mr Conlin said that in the week that the CABS team had been in Malta, illegal hunting was observed at 32 sites.

Geoffrey Saliba, representing BirdLife Malta, insisted that there was no formal, legal agreement between the government and the hunters’ federation for the federation to manage the Mizieb woodland.

Yet, he complained, the hunters were still setting up hides at Mizieb, and signs had been set up telling picnickers not to approach them.

He said that BirdlLife had put up its own signs urging the public to reclaim the countryside.

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Kenneth Cassar

Sep 23rd 2010, 11:16

Oh sure...3 hunters destroy over a hundred trees, and the best term you can come up with to describe them is "irresponsible"!

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100824/local/hunters-plead-guilty-to-foresta-2000-vandalism

Chris Finch

Sep 22nd 2010, 18:15

Sylvana,
The tree cutting hunters have been charged and found guilty - yet you fail to condemn them.
There are many many other cases which have appeared before the courts and guilt proven, and yet you fail to condemn them.
Just saying you condemn all illegalities is much different from condemning actual instances. Will you condemn the 3 mindless vandal hunters who cut down the trees in teh foresta 2000 site?

Kenneth Cassar

Sep 23rd 2010, 07:10

@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin:

Whenever you reply to my comments, that is evidence enough that you are noticing my comments and that I am worth the bother.

As for jumping the gun, you are jumping the gun whenever you try to give the impression that anyone is "unclean" when you do not have the tiniest bit of evidence that this is so.

"A person is innocent until proven guilty" applies to everyone, including BLM and CABS. So unless you have evidence to the contrary, you might wish to stop jumping the gun and questioning their "cleanliness".

Kenneth Cassar

Sep 22nd 2010, 14:06

Report them to the police, if you have any evidence.

Chris Finch

Sep 22nd 2010, 16:32

Sylvana, you say you condemn all illegalities? Where is your condemnation of grabbing a woman, shaking her and screaming in her face?
Where is your condemnation of Ray Briffa allegedly punching a CABS member?
Where was your condemnation of the hunters cutting down the trees?
Where is you condemnation of the protected species found in Mizieb?
Come on Sylvana.
People who damage the natural flora and fauna in the countryside should be punished in all instances. In fact if you have evidence of this, file a police report and lets get them before the courts. However, an assault on a person (especially 2 men against 1 woman) is much more serious than treading on a herb, whichever way you look at it.

Kenneth Cassar

Sep 22nd 2010, 12:41

Dear Ms Zarb Darmanin,

If I had to ask you whether you were "clean" while roaming the countryside, you would probably either ignore me, or else demand that I make public the reasons for my suspicion that would have prompted the question.

I have a feeling that BLM and CABS are ignoring you. However, if you have reason to believe that BLM and/or CABS are "unclean", then it is not only your right, but your civic duty to report what you know to the police.

S Cauchi

Sep 22nd 2010, 23:14

As I said and I repeat . . . . empty words. Passing the buck and brushing off questions. Should I rest assured if you say so? Not at all !! You insist on defending the undefendable. I pity you, really.

Kenneth Cassar

Sep 22nd 2010, 11:42

How do you know it was not an assault?

Chris FInch

Sep 22nd 2010, 11:56

Andrew, the lady in the video never claimed she was punched. Watch the video. She says she was grabbed and shaken. This is an assault and the people who did this should be charged with assault.
The only crap - To use your vernacular - is the fact that the hunters are defending these thugs who think nothing of assaulting women. There are even some who seem to think that standing on a herb is more serious than grabbing and shaking a woman and screaming in her face.
You are truly showing your mindset. No doubt you are taking your leader's example.
Hunters are losing any remnants of sympathy. Especially when people such as yourself support such thuggery.

Andrew Gatt

Sep 22nd 2010, 12:27

Chris, from my many posts I think that you and even the most blinkered extremist knows where I'm coming from on the issue of illegalities.

However, I am sick to my stomach of CABS this, CABS that and CABS the other. These people are arrogant ABOLITIONISTS who are using illegalities as an excuse to target hunters in general. Even if all poaching stopped tomorrow, CABS would then shift their focus to have more and more GAME birds de-listed as huntable. They are on record as wanting to stop the hunting of MIGRATORY species - and all Malta's game IS migratory.

A case in point is their statement about the Italian Hunting Season, The birds they are labbing about (mainly skylark and thrush) are 2 of the few species we can legally shoot and which are present (weather permitting) in any reasonable numbers.

I don't like them, I don't trust them, I detest their sleazy methods and I believe just about 1/10th of what they say and do. And when I see CABS all so cosy-cosy with Birdlife, well, the expressions "birds of a feather" and "ma min rajtek xebbahtek" spring to mind.

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 17:12

Well Mr or Mrs Scerri, I am trying to impress no one, but simply stating the inevitable truth to all. Some of the things you mentioned, are perfectly legal,

1) Divorce, can be obtained while at a holiday and the court will recognise it.
2) Drugs, alcohol and tabacco are d=legal drugs.
3) Prostitution, is not illegal only loitering and pimping is
4) Abortion, (not perfectly legal but many induced miscarragies misteriously 'occur')
5) Nudism, Have you never been to qarruba between golden sands and gnejna, or Kantar bay in Gozo. altenatively you may try your luck at some fancy nightclub at Paceville (no need for ads we all know which nightclubs offer behind the curtain sevice)
6) Pornography, it is not illegal to have pornography in Malta, it is only illegal to distribute it for profit. In fact all 5 star hotels have adult channels.

Moreover, hunting is practiced all over the EU member states and what I claimed is supported by correspondence with the EU institions. The ones that offer contact service and give expert adivice not hersay as many antis dish out.

In the mean time enjoy your ban dream, truth hurts I guese

J. Scerri

Sep 22nd 2010, 10:05

@ Johnny Xerri

1)Divorce, can be obtained while at a holiday and the court will recognise it. BUT NOT IN MALTA. SO WITH YOUR SAME ARGUMENT, GO HUNT ABROAD

2)Drugs, alcohol and tabacco are d=legal drugs. AS LONG AS I KNOW DRUGS ARE ILLEGAL IN MALTA. OR THE AFM ARE DOING THE ROADBLOCKS JUST FOR HOBBY? I NEVER WROTE ABOUT ALCOHOL&TABACCO.

3)Prostitution, is not illegal only loitering and pimping is. AND PROSTITUTION WHAT IS ALL ABOUT? WITHOUT THE 2 EXCEPTIONS YOU INCLUDED, IT WON'T BE CALLED PROSTITUTION BUT RELATIONSHIP!!

4)Abortion, (not perfectly legal but many induced miscarragies misteriously 'occur') STILL ILLEGAL HERE IN MALTA

5)Nudism, Have you never been to qarruba between golden sands and gnejna, or Kantar bay in Gozo. BUT ALL INVOLVED & CAUGHT WERE PROSECUTED FOR SKINNY DIPPING.

6)Pornography, it is not illegal to have pornography in Malta, it is only illegal to distribute it for profit. In fact all 5 star hotels have adult channels. BUT STILL YOU WON'T FIND ANY PORN MATERIAL FOR SALE IN ANY SHOP HERE IN MALTA.

In the mean time enjoy your ban dream, truth hurts I guese. THE TRUTH? ALL THE THING YOU WROTE ARE THE EXACT OPPOSITE!!

Tony Zerafa

Sep 22nd 2010, 20:07

You dont seem to be living in our times Mr Scerri :)

Charles Gauci

Sep 22nd 2010, 20:27

'CABS have stepped onto saghtar and I strongly believe that they should be prosecuted'.
Mrs. Zarb Darmanin 'PROOF PLEASE'.

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 16:30

Bull fighting will stop? Bull fighting was outlawed in just one region in which 2 annual events were held, for which tickets were not being sold. So to garnish some respect and to make believe that they are doing something they banned it there. Its the same as banning hunting from Sliema, or banning fishing from a swiming pool, or banning the feast from Matab mizbla, since these activities are not practiced there.

Apart from the FACT THAT HUNTING IS PRATICED ALL OVER THE WORLD...EU INCLUDED.
(to date no anti has ever mentioned and EU state that has banned hunting...shall you be the first to enlighten us...tejdx Kemmuma, Filfla, jew il Gzejjer ta San Pawl ghax tkun hrigt ta mazeta :) )

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 17:23

you can enjoy nauture reserves and the public countryside together with hunters (first come first served, wake up early and get there before the hunter)....and hunters can enjoy private countryside on their own.

The fact that Malta is over built is neither my problem nor my concern...so whats next you come into my land simply because you want to enjoy the countryside? Then if I have another kid and my house is small, I am to simply trespass your house and settle in just because it is bigger?

Get real, hunters have a right to enjoy hunting same as the other EU hunters....this whether you like it or not...alternatively buy our land and declare it a bird sanctuary & remove us from the public (that is we stop paying taxes and renounce our right to public assets).

Tolernece M Frendo, means that land is shared, and not because you want more than your share you cast us aside.

Paul Skinback

Sep 21st 2010, 14:15

So what you're saying, right, is that CABS reps. are making their way to the site in the morning with dead birds in their backpacks and then claim that they are finding the carcasses hidden in Mizieb? Or are they sending a CABS ninja by night to kill the roosting birds by night and hiding them under rocks and soil to then apportion the blame on maltese hunters?

I'm startled how you managed to uncover this conspiracy against hunters and must congratulate you on your covert skills. Where you dressed as a Hoopoe or where you the one disguised as a carob tree?

You're also saying that a hunter would be stupid to hide a carcass under rubble......EH?

Mela fejn tridu jahbiha? Fuqu nnifsu jew?




marco meli

Sep 21st 2010, 18:17

ghandu ragun sur pawl! Ghax jekk toqghod tahseb sewwa, s sena l ohra ukoll gara l stess u alla jbierek tal cabs kienu nadfu kul m hemm qalu. issa ma nafx kif regaw sabu l karkassi ta l ghasafar li ilhom midfunin!!!! allura jew dawn ma fitxewx kul m hemm jew hemm xi kummiedja fin nofs!

Paul Skinback

Sep 22nd 2010, 11:45

Mela kien ghad hemm xi karkassi mohbijin mis-sena l-ohra li ma nkixfux JEW setaw ukoll inhbew hemm wara li telqu il-CABS min Malta biex dak li jkum ma jinqabadx mil-ALE jew Birdlife.

Din tal CABS jahbu il karkassi biex ipoggu il kaccaturi f'dell ikrah, hija kospirazzjoni mhaddma li ma taghmilx sens. Il-fatt hu illi Il-CABS ghandhom wisq x'jitilfu li kieku jghamlu u jinqabdu jghamlu dawn il-praspar.

C Mallia

Sep 21st 2010, 13:09

Il-Pulizija dejjem thalliet tahdem mill-CABS!!! X'qed tipprova tghid? Tajba din. Dawn il-criminali ta kaccaturi jiksru l-ligi bl-addocc u minflok tehoda mal-CABS.?

Imma naqbel mieghek, dawn l-affarijiet twegga il-gvern u lill-Malta, biss m' ghadniex fi zmien fejn nistghu nahbu izjed certu nuqqassijiet serji taht it-tapit. Il-Pulizija immexxija mill-gvern, u il-gvern biss jista jiccaqlaq serjeta

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 17:16

Joe please indicate how long you have been in London...maybe we will understand why you fail to realise that hunting in the UK goes on 24*7*52

Yes dear, hunters face no close season in the UK, and hunting does not only take place in Malta.

A Zammit

Sep 21st 2010, 14:04

Your comment actually proves the opinion of Maltese people regarding CABS. Next time mind your language. We are not under the British rule anymore. People have opinions and should be respected.

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 12:49

Tibzax jien diga urejtu li ma nsejtx meta halejt il vot id dar...imsiken kemm cemplu biex jien, l mara u genituri nmorru nivutaw....isa biex infakruh din id darba flok inhaluh id dar intuh lil PL.

X'jista jerga jigri bhan 1996 u jkun hawn herba...ma jimpurtax din id darba nista nsifer u nitlaq bara, f'post fejn il kacca u l kaccaturi accetati....ma tkunx difficli ghax f europa hawn 26 pajjiz li nista nmur.

Darba adejtuna passata ghax emina li nistaw nivotaw ghal gid tal pajjiz minajr hadd ma jaqasna...ima serqu l vot.....ma tkunx darba ohra

Darren J. Galea

Sep 21st 2010, 12:44

Because, Effie, the Maltese authorities have shown time and again that they are incapable of self regulation in these matters. All you need to do is see that one year after a large bird cemetry containing hundreds of protected birds was found nothing has been done.

C Mallia

Sep 21st 2010, 13:00

@Effie Carbonaro
WHY??: The government is simply not doing enough year after year to bring down these criminals. CABS is not only exposing the criminals among the hunters but the serious shortcomings from the government. Now that must hurt, but how many birds have to die before serious action is taken? Thanks for answering.

Steve Zammit

Sep 21st 2010, 12:26

Mark, dan x'ragunar hu???Il-hides ghall-informazzjoni tieghek tal-Ghadira u is-Simar gew mibnijin bil-permessi kollha u ghall-intenzjoni li fihom naraw l-ghasafar mill-aktar qrib bla ma naghmluhom hsara. Bilhaqq wiehed ma jmurx ir-riservi biex jiehu picnic(?) imma biex jitghallem fuq in-natura, jarah mill-vicin u japprezza aktar l-ambjent ta'madwaru. Kulhadd huwa mistiden biex jmur r-riservi qalb i-natura. Postijiet unici ghall-pajjizna fejn l-ambjent go fih huma rari hafna. Tista' jekk joghbok tghidli x'ghandhom x'jaqsmu ir-riservi u il-picnics ma dak li gara hawn fuq il-Mizieb???

Le mhux fejn ikunu il-kaccaturi biss tajjeb ghall-picnic...ghadt ma mort il-Buskett???Hemmhekk post tajjeb biex taghmel picnic u huwa post protett fejn ma jistghax jsir kacca. E U tista tmur l-ghada biex tara ukoll il-hmieg u mandri li jhallu n-nies warajhom .

Tony Zerafa

Sep 21st 2010, 12:47

No idea mrs Cauchi, you must be talking about another place, tell me where your friends come from and I flood you with Stupidities they do in their country, everywhere, you might not be familiar with internet then, help yourself take some lessons ....

Joe Camilleri

Sep 21st 2010, 10:32

oh come on josianne, from your surname you must be of nordic origin.

A BULLET SPEED PAST YOUR HEAD. a typical example of people who do not know a single iota of what they are talking about. Here in malta we do not hunt using bullets, we do not have big game like there is in your country.

Just shows the truth in your comment.

And you do not see birds because we are not in the main migrotary route as BLM wants us to belive.

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 10:57

are you sure you were in Malta?

Maltese hunters do not use bullets but lead pellets...maybe you were in your country whilst someone was derr hunting...and after having enjoyed too much homemade wine....you could not tell when the incident happend :)

D Vella

Sep 21st 2010, 10:19

Update yourself. Fox hunting was banned in England some five years ago.

M. Cardona

Sep 21st 2010, 11:42

@D Vella

I think you'd better go and update yourself first. Fox hunting is alive and kicking, legally practiced 365 days a year in UK.

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 17:04

@ D Vella,

Fox hunting takes two forms...one is with hounds, the other is by shooting.

Fox hunting with hounds has been restricted.

Fox hunting by firearm is still legal. I know coz this year in June I caught my fair share.

Don't believe find the evidence:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_hunting_legislation (esp the Hunting Act 2004)

http://yeswehunt.eu/en/hunting-in-europe/hunting-wizard/countries?country=712260
(scroll down to red fox and you will see for yourself...apart from the exhaustive list of game available with no closed season)

D Vella it would be wiser if you update yourself....

Michael Spiteri

Sep 21st 2010, 17:15

f.y.i
I never said what is legal or illegal. I merely stated what happens in the UK.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_hunting

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 12:41

seems like Ireland and UK are not so pure as some would like us to believe:

http://www.birding.uk.com/forum/bird-chat/1367-bird-crime-2008-a.html

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=1&listitemid=5456#cr

Northern Ireland's hotspot was County Down, which accounted for five of the province's 11 reported incidents against birds of prey.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/birdcrime_tcm9-260567.pdf (check out pg 13)

http://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/rspb-birdcrime-2009-shows-continuing-persecution/

Considering the size of Malta, most incidents get detected and brought to light....could we say the same of your country...in which hundered of hectors of land free from human intervention except for the gamekeeper, his beaters, and hunters.

I have hunted in Ireland, and although like in malta many observe the law....I have witnessed poaching even there.

colin stanley

Sep 21st 2010, 10:52

I am very sorry for what happened to you,but I don't think it was a hunter who fired the gun, because they shoot pellets from their guns . bullets are shot from rifles, and pistols !!!!!! by the way I am not a supporter of " ILLEGAL HUNTING "

COLIN STANLEY

Sep 21st 2010, 10:57

by the way don't forget the so called sport in Spaln where the they killed the bull in such a barbaric way, in the name of tradition

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 10:53

Maybe you mean that the Maltese do not have a right to kill them, but all the other EU member states have a right to kill them and to even make business out of them by organising hunting holidays.

Maybe you are one of those 'intellegant' people who believe that hunting takes place only in Malta?

Maybe you believe that Maltese hunters are not entitled to pursue their hobby in the same manner that hunters in the rest of the world inculding the EU can?

and then you wonder why poeple get abuse in their face when they enter private land, or land entrusted to them for hunting...especially when their vote and part of their hobby was stolen.

Good way of showing that BLM & CABs are not trying to totally ban hunting. First eliminate spring hunting, then try to take over the only hunting reserve in Malta....then build some apartments (like the 80 being built at saghtrija, a previously unruined breeding site for blue rock thrush, rabbits, sparrows, warblers...) and presto an artificial total ban..

C Mallia

Sep 21st 2010, 13:43

Hunting season is open but there are RULES and RESTRICTIONS to it. What if your kid got shot because the hunting season is OPEN? Would that make it a legal activity?

S Wallace

Sep 20th 2010, 23:29

Birds represent freedom. History has more than proven that Maltese people value freedom. This fact has been borne out by the bravery of many Maltese people during previous world wars.

It is therefore crashingly insensitive that anyone should even suggest that this young lady was "lucky" not to have suffered further harm when trying to ensure a free passage for international birds.

Birds flying through Malta should not be seen as the enemy for target practice but, instead perhaps it should be those who appear to act like a "cancer" against Maltese people?

The attack of a young woman on her own is really quite shameful.

These birds are international. They travel across international borders. They deserve the right of a free passage. None of us have the right to kill them.







Vincent Sammut

Sep 21st 2010, 10:15

S Wallace why don't you go to Egypt and other places and try to stop them there?

S Sammut

Sep 20th 2010, 20:36

Stefan Micallef - More of these people are needed here to protect the Maltese and the environment. Mizieb and other countryside is not the hunters' territory by right, it is EVERYONE'S territory by right.

J Borg

Sep 20th 2010, 21:10

Yes Stefan, I agree with you! They should be sent back,.....provided that they come back and bring more volunteers to help us protect Maltese birds! Since we Maltese are incapable to do the job ourselves, we desperately need their help. They are putting their wellbeing at risk, saving us all the trouble! FKNK, in spite of all the boasts about zero tolerance, seems to be hibernating at the moment. How many hunters/trappers have had their license suspended by FKNK for breaking the law. Oh, I forgot....licenses have a fee, do they. So less hunters/trappers, less money for their coffers.

Robert Grech

Sep 20th 2010, 22:00

@ S Sammut

Tajjeb ghada nigi naghmel "bird watching" minn fuq il-bejt tad-dar tieghek. Skond inti ghandi dritt .... jew le??

Ivan Farrugia

Sep 20th 2010, 22:19

You are 100% right

S Cauchi

Sep 20th 2010, 21:15

Noel, OK but two wrongs don't make a right and a hundred wrongs don't make a right. So what's your point? Stop enforcing the hunting laws in Malta because illegal hunting is rampant also abroad?
Does not make an ounce of good sense.

r sammut

Sep 20th 2010, 21:57

Good one about lace making, and we may seek Birdlife assistance for tutorials! The way these things unfold is more intricate than the patterns of the Malta lace!

These people have been eying Mizieb for quite a while and since the first go has sort of got forgotten, at the click of the fingers, viola.

But it seems perplexing all the flies about those dripping bags! Did it rain on Mizieb last night? For a moment I thought I recognized some bags, but on second thoughts that is how I keep shot game (note game) in the freezer myself; in transparent plastic bags to recognise contents.

I feel sorry for these dedicated birdwatchers and especially the foreigners, who missed an opportunity of a lifetime; of magnificent birds of prey diving to roost at Busket on Sunday evning! Curiously they left just before the action got to its peak; an hour or two before night fall! Bad luck that!

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 10:22

linda Spiteri, If you like lace so much and you dont mind getting little pricks, then choose it as your hobby. Mine will remain hunting....even if banned for all it takes is a visit to any of the other EU 27 member states....were hunting is allowed with much much larger gamebags...I know coz I have been there many times app twice a year in the last 10 years.

Since hunting can never be banned learn to live with it.

Carmen V Gauci

Sep 20th 2010, 20:52

You may not be a hunter but your husband is, so stop beating around the bush. Why don't you ask your husband this evening if he steps on saghtar when he goes out hunting in the morning.

Rob Alcock

Sep 21st 2010, 01:13

I agree with you Mr Damato. It is wrong that foreigners arrive in Malta and start interfering where they are not wanted. The solution has to be home grown with legitimate hunters acting within the local laws. If the law is broken then the Police and Courts can deal with it as with any other crime. As a foreigner and frequent visitor to Malta I respect your local customs and traditions. Maybe I don't agree with the way some things are, but it is your country and I am only a guest.

Joe Brincat

Sep 21st 2010, 08:32

x'ghandu x'jaqsam x'mentalita' insulari!!!!!!!!!!!

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 10:40

Hunting has not been banned since it cannot be legally banned by any government...checked this with EU institutions who confrimed that since hunting has been practiced in Malta for long enough to form part of at least a minority part of society (app 10 of adults in Malta), then it cannot be banned, since this would amount to persection of minority, cultural oppression and denial of equal resource use (since hunting is practiced in all the EU member states).

When hunting is banned allover the EU, and when nobody will be interested in hunting then maybe it will be banned.

Charles Gauci

Sep 20th 2010, 21:17

Since when do tourists coming from EU countries need permission from the Maltese Government to visit our islands? Are you sure you are aware that we are living in the year 2010?

Salvu Vella

Sep 21st 2010, 10:20

Charles Gauci visiting is one thing. Interfering with the locals is another. They should be kicked out and prohibited from ever coming back.

J. Borg

Sep 20th 2010, 18:31

Considering that hunters managed to break their way into fenced nature reserves in their lust to kill birds - one need not wonder what will happen if even these fences are removed! Picnicers at Mizieb.....sure but ONLY on Sundays afternoons - otherwise enter at your own risk to the shower of lead!

joe abela

Sep 20th 2010, 18:18

so with your thoughtful writing should everybody from around the world dont visit your country due to all the murder that happen and violence to humans

J Aquilina

Sep 20th 2010, 18:39

And in your country Abortion is tollerated and you, and others like YOU do not give a damn. Shame on you and others like you!

Johnny Xerri

Sep 20th 2010, 20:59

and where will they go? Cookoo land maybe? Coz hunting is practiced all over the world.

Please correct me if I'm wrong and name me at least one country that has banned hunting

J Borg

Sep 20th 2010, 21:14

Did somebody mention fox hunting?

T Camilleri

Sep 20th 2010, 22:33

Andy Towler how about fox and deer hunting in your own country? Hunting foxes allowing them to be torn apart by hounds. How about ABORTION of hUMAN BEINGS as practised in YOUR country Andy?
http://www.abortionno.org/
http://www.abortiontv.com/Pics/AbortionPictures6.htm
http://www.abortiontv.com/index.html
This is what happens in your countries these are HUMAN BEINGS not birds Andy. People in glass houses should not throw stones.

Johnny Xerri

Sep 20th 2010, 20:57

Yep the embarresment to society is those who stole mine and other hunters votes, and their blue eyed supporters who take joy in their sheperds vote stealing activity.

What nice democracy we practice, steal their vote, threat them like sh** and them expect them to be nice to you.

Thank God that hunters are mostly nice chaps, otherwise much worst incidents would occur.

That excuse of a women must have come to Malta because she feared her home mates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj6F6oVqOho

Renee' Deguara

Sep 21st 2010, 10:31

@ JOHNNY

i agree with you Mr they are nice chaps... my husband is a hunter.. i;m not saying that he never did anything wrong or never break the law as anyone can notice it's impossible the way they are right now =. they simply can't make a move.. yes mr i agree with u once again they are nice chaps otherwise they have had done too much more damage on their equipment for example... but i have to say they are tempting them and if the time comes they might feel sorry for what they're doing.... as we all know enough is enough................

Jason Borg

Sep 20th 2010, 19:25

Miżieb is public land and nobody, including FKNK, has any legal right to restrict access at any time of the year.

Maria Borg

Sep 20th 2010, 16:58

Mr Ohman, unfortunately in Malta we are small and as you can see these people are very dangerous and they can find you anywhere. It should come from the authorities but unfortunately even the highest authority is scared of these people. It is a shame that foreigners have to come on this rock to defend the defensless and to give us Maltese the freedom to admire these beautiful creatures alive. It is indeed shameful.

JAFarrugia

Sep 20th 2010, 17:07

Dear Karl, i'm a huge animal lover and honestly don't like seeing anything alive being killed, but i also understand that hunting has been a passion for many many years, yes it needs to be controlled, but not by having foreign organisatations sticking their butts in where it doesn't belong. As for the Benefits WE foreigners supply??? pls enlighten me, you don't seen to give a flip about the illegal immigrants we get every year.I suggest Ms Burrows concentrates on the disgusting fur business which is thriving in the UK, or is she afraid she might get abducted and actually killed in her crime infested Nottingham.

A Zahra

Sep 20th 2010, 17:50

@ Mr. Kark Johan Ohman. I am in no need of the benefits you foreigner bring me. I see more foreigners coming to Malta rather than Maltese leaving. That speaks for itself of who is in need of who. And if enjoying your so called "benefits" entails losing my freedom than I'd rather die of famine rather than be a stupid butt licker. Thanks and hope you enjoy Maltas wonderful climate.

Karl Johan Öhman

Sep 20th 2010, 18:18

What benefits? Did you really ask that question? Not even going to answer such a question my friend.. As for the issue of Ms Burrows concentrates on the disgusting fur business which is thriving in the UK?? Trust me, others are doing that in her place, guaranteed and just a question for you? Where are the protectors of wildlife on Malta? All of you decided not to care? As for tuna fishing my fishing friend, i love it too, there will be no tuna left to fish, would that be a good idea you think? As my grandfather was a fisherman, I have the deepest respect for you, cant really find harder working men out there..

J.Agius

Sep 20th 2010, 17:24

Yes I am not a hunter But have a 62 year old 70 year old & 83 year old relatives who have been hunting all their life.They are real hunters for Turtle doves & Quails.Yet they were cheated by our Prime ministers;ministers & member of parlament by lying to them for the last 25years.Say 25 years ago they were told hunting was to stop over a period of years; to day we dont need these foreign cabs.We are celebrating Independece Day!!!Are we!???Dont these Cabs better watch their own back yard!!Are we now bringing cabs to stop hold ups as the one on Mr.Zampa!!We blame the police here too!! Instead of wasting their time why Bloggers dont do the foreigners job.At least Maltese!!!!!

Andrew Gatt

Sep 20th 2010, 18:31

Then try this one, T. Mifsud. The capslock is deliberate: YES I AM A HUNTER. YES I OBEY THE LAWS. AND YES, CABS EFF OFF AND STOP INTERFERING IN OUR LIVES. This is the Autumn Hunting season, it is LEGAL across all the EU. These extremists are worse than the worst poachers in their slick, sleazy methods of garnering sympathy and raising funds. Just look at them, with their nifty T-shirts and oh-so-carefully-planned-and-posed photos. Videos all over Youtube. Petitions galore. Truth is, tiny Malta is just that - tiny! Most of what happens is seen, Yet their own countries put our poachers TO SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anthony Formosa

Sep 20th 2010, 17:48

Hahahaha, u ghalfejn tahseb li baghtu mara? mhux biex jidru aktar martri, din sieheb ta meta mara marret fuq il-bastiment tat-tonn u spiccat qalet xeba tajba. Sur Grima jekk int ragel u l-maggoranza kontra l-kacca ghax ma mortx int u l-maggoranza li qed issemmi l-Mizieb.

Charles Gauci

Sep 20th 2010, 17:40

You mean to say that you have seen less than four birds per day since 1st September? And you persist in going out hunting? I admire your perseverence!

N Xuereb

Sep 20th 2010, 19:27

Yes. I only saw 13 turtle doves and no quails; only got 1 turtle dove. Now that's why it has been said at nausea that the Autumn season is NOT an alternative to Spring. Whoever says it is, is a big liar. With reference to this article, it’s general knowledge amongst all those involved around ornithology that this year is extremely poor. I never remembered a year so lack of birds. Even Spring migration was very meager.

Anthony Formosaa

Sep 20th 2010, 17:59

Le sur Gauci tista tehel hi ghax marret tfixkel sports legittimu. Kieku ghamlet hekk go pajjiza kienet tigi arrestata hi.

S Sammut

Sep 20th 2010, 20:43

Le sur Formosa ma marret tfixkel xejn. Din kienet miexja fuq art publika li KULHADD ghandu dritt jimxi fuqha minghajr biza li jigi attakkat. Arrestat ghandu jigi min jaghamel xi post publiku tieghu u sahansitra jasal biex jerfa jdejh.

Joe Bonnici

Sep 20th 2010, 22:44

S Sammut dik barranija u mghandha l-ebda dritt tindahal fl-affarijiet taghna. Ghax ma tmurx tara xi jsir f'pajjizha u mhux tigi tindahal f'pajjizna? Qed jistiednu wahda tinkiteb.

R. Gauci

Sep 21st 2010, 12:36

Ghamlet x'ghamlet hadd ma kellu dritt juza l-vjolenza, kieku dawn il-kaccaturi kienu nies kienu jcemplu lill-Pulizija u jiehdu passi huma. Mbaghad jien nippreferi miljun turist jitpaxxew bil-kampanja taghna u jhalluha kif kienet minbarra l-flus li jhallu fl-ekonomija milli 4 kaccaturi Maltin li jisparaw fuq kull ma jtir u li bihom ma tista tmur imkien bil-familja ghax tissogra li jimlewk tilja comb.

Kif se tinqata l-Corrida minn Spanja nemmen li l-istess ghandu jigri lil kacca f'Malta. Pajjiz civilizzat bic-cokon ta` Malta ma jistghax jippermetti li jkollu 10% tal-popolazzjoni tieghu jigru bis-snieter jisparaw left right and centre.

Sergio Caruana

Sep 20th 2010, 22:46

NO Chris Reiff. CABS have no right to put their noses into other peoples business. If we really had a Prime Minister with a pair of strong hands he would have had them deported and even prevented from coming to Malta in the first place. They have no right and no business to be in Malta interfering with us.

RGatt

Sep 22nd 2010, 09:12

Fox hunting has been abolished in the UK. Know your facts first.

Joseph Micallef

Sep 20th 2010, 19:43

Sure and what - wear bullet proof vests and helmets?!!

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 10:30

since most hunting takes place on private land are you suggesting that you are going to disturb people conducting a legal activity in their private land?

Have a go :) you might end up with the vuvuzela being blown from another part of the body that emitts air :)

Wilfred Camilleri

Sep 20th 2010, 15:48

They're playing heroes by looking for dead birds? Come on, please use some common sense. Searching for dead birds or even monitoring illegal hunting shouldn't involve any risks if politicians had the guts to ban hunting outright. And it doesn't matter where they're from. Malta is part of the EU and as such any EU citizen has the right to be here as long as they're not breaking Maltese or EU laws!

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 10:26

lol ban hunting...maybe in spring by applying a derogation(intenionally in a wrong manner) as a excuse, but autumn and winter hunting can never be banned, for reasons that I have stated in previous comments.

I suggest that you learn to live with hunting, as the rest of the world, EU included have learnt to live with their hunters.

D. Spiteri

Sep 20th 2010, 15:58

ever heard of citizen's arrest?...

and BTW everyone has the right to walk around in the countryside and observe hunters if they so wish like. I find no objection that hunters and spotters living in harmony. The problem however is that in Malta we thing that everyone out there is to get us... if rules and laws ae not being broken, no hunter can feel threatened.

So quit the abuse on innocent people, and stop making a bad name for yourselves. You have a right to hunt specific birds, i have a right to walk in the countryside, they have a right to observe you.... so what???

Charles Grima

Sep 20th 2010, 16:07

What permit would CABS require to go around in a PUBLIC place? Maybe they were looking for lichens under a stone, and found birds hurriedly hidden there by poachers.

Actually CABS is doing nothing illegal at all. If there is a murder, police urge citizens to respond with information if any wrongdoing is afoot. What the public is not happy about is the fact that we have foreigners doing the work we Maltese should do in the first place.

Similarly we have the neighbourhood watch don't we?

David Buttigieg

Sep 20th 2010, 16:13

No, they don't have any permit to act as police officers, but everybody has the duty to report criminals to the police!

Wouldn't YOU report a crime?

john borg

Sep 20th 2010, 15:29

SHAME SHAME SHAME on cabs and birdlife, leaving the poor girl alone at .......mizieb

Andrew Gatt

Sep 20th 2010, 15:35

GO BACK HOME you bunch of scheming extremists. Twice every year we get more of the same - you lot shoving your noses into another country's business and provoking reactions left right and centre.

Which you then film and milk dry to the last drop of sympathy and funding. And has this spineless Government realised how you smear your sob stories all over the Internet, deliberately harming Malta's reputaton?

GET LOST. We've had enough of your ******* attitude and arrogance. This is the Autumn Hunting Season, it is LEGAL, it is practiced all over the EU and the world. Eff off and leave us alone.

Mario Farrugia

Sep 20th 2010, 15:36

Don't generalise, Mr/s Borg. Shame on law-breaking hunters (or any other person, for that matter), but not on all hunters.
I am a hunter, a very proud one. I know the rules, and I obey them. Just like the majority of hunters. The few who persist in breaking the law have no pity from me or other fellow, bona fide hunters.
But, if you want to be reasonable, it is an undeniable fact that foreingers are roaming OUR countryside and playing God. Foreigners (like this English lady) whose parents and grandparents were stationed here for years and years and never uttered ONE SINGLE WORD against hunting. Quite the contrary - many a British Officer was happy to grant leave to the "lesser mortal" Maltese during our hunting season, as long as the missus got a brace of turtle doves or a few quail for the pot. Now, lately, they feel sorry for the birds. No sorrow for thousands of aborted babies, of course... but the birds?? Oh, poor birds...
No other way to put it. Foreigners policing us (Maltese, just like yourself), on our own soil. If this is not provocation, then please tell me what is.

D. Cachia

Sep 20th 2010, 15:42

What do you mean John Borg shame on Cabs for leaving her alone in Mizieb? Mela we are in North Korea?

Isnt it safe for a 26 year old to be "alone" in Mizieb?

These hunters are bullies! Why should we fear them?

What a shame!

D. Cachia

Sep 20th 2010, 15:42

What do you mean John Borg shame on Cabs for leaving her alone in Mizieb? Mela we are in North Korea?

Isnt it safe for a 26 year old to be "alone" in Mizieb?

These hunters are bullies! Why should we fear them?

What a shame!

R. Borg

Sep 20th 2010, 15:46

Very true! By now they have experience with the violent attitude of these guys. They shouldn't have left her alone....

Maria Borg

Sep 20th 2010, 16:11

Dear Mr Borg
Your comment worries me. So you are saying that I for example cannot roam in Mizieb without being attacked? Would appreciate a reply.

P. Camilleri

Sep 20th 2010, 15:20

"We have the local police to control the cowboys".... Mr or Mrs. J. Farrugia, since when do local police try to control the 'cowboys' (hunters) without having the information from CABS or Birdlife?? Never. Well done CABS and Birdlife.

Patrik Larsson

Sep 20th 2010, 15:32

In what dream world are you living. The reason they are here is because of repeated failures from local authorities. They have the right to ensure that hunting is controlled, as we are all affected by what a bunch of illiterate thugs are doing to the Maltese countryside.

Perhaps you should be grateful that these volunteers spend the time and effort in making this island a better place and be ashamed of your fellow countrymen committing these crimes.

Andrew Debono

Sep 20th 2010, 15:32

J Farruga is right.

And sometime ago there was an article that the CABS actors had to have police protection with them. where were the police? and if they had they should remain as a group so that the police will have evidence if an incident happens.

Sounded pathetic the fact that she mentioned that the evidence of bird bones was destroyed as the hunter stepped on it. DNA sampling can still be done to indentify the species of bird but if these were just bones it shows that no one can really say for sure how long this bird was dead.

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Sep 20th 2010, 15:32

Who are you trying to kid "J Farrugia"? Do you really think anyone believes you're anything but an excuse-maker for hunters? Your mis-use of "rumble" for "ramble" betrays you, quite apart from your weird ideas.

Steven Cutajar

Sep 20th 2010, 15:34

I can just laugh at your comment which in my opinion makes no sense. CABS have been called in to check on illegal hunting - why would you want them to leave? Are you in favour of illegal hunting?

And when you state "let us take care of these hunters ourselves. we dont need foreign interference." what do you exactly mean pls? Has this issue been taken care of since before CABS came on this rock? -never- hence the big uproar amongst hunters . Pls Just tell me you're really joking cause this is becoming too funny.

j.zammit

Sep 20th 2010, 15:35

seems like cabs and blm are doing a great job... this time even the police are helping out... hunters erm poachers now have no excuse to saying that they were provoked...

BTW..
- Mizzieb is a public place where anyone can go
- the nature reserves are also public places where anyone can go... only difference is that like a museum and other Maltese heritage they need to be taken care of and protected... hence the fence and the gate and the controlled access...

Mary Hinge

Sep 20th 2010, 15:40

So, J. Farrugia likes a good RUMBLE. Unfortunately, it is ever more apparent that without the involvement CABS or Birdlife, the inaction against these hunters or trappers would be total. The least YOU could do, if you really are a rambler, or at least want to enjoy the countryside, is to thank the volunteers who are placing themselves in harm's way, seeing that enforcement of the law appears to be at best, shoddy.

Joe Grima Brussels

Sep 20th 2010, 15:40

Mr Farrugia, I'm afraid I have to contradict you on a few points you mentioned!
a. You cannot ORDER any foreigners to leave the country. We do not even do that to those who come illegally.
b. We do have local authorities to deal with the case, BUT although FKNK often claim zero tolerance towards those who break the law, how often do they help the police by reporting irregularities?
c. It is not CABS who are endangering our lives. I believe they do not carry any guns! You yourself called the hunters 'cowboys', not CABS.
d. CABS and BLM are not spies. They are doing the risky jobs that many Maltese would like seeing done, but not committing themselves!

Dan Cohen

Sep 20th 2010, 15:57

What nonsense! They are here because it is very clear that the local authorities cannot do this job themselves! How can you even say that it is CABS fault that locals can't walk in the countryside? The anger in this place is incredible!

Ramon Casha

Sep 20th 2010, 15:14

Actually, no. You can visit Għadira - the visiting hours are on the gates, open pretty much all day long on weekends, and special arrangements can be made for groups during the week, such as school visits. The necessity for gates is unfortunate, but then we wouldn't want any illegal poachers to kill every feathered thing in the area would we?

john borg

Sep 20th 2010, 15:17

yes, its about time birdlife opensthese reserves to the public, and not just preach what others should do!!!

j falzon

Sep 20th 2010, 15:18

If people were allowed to trample all the reserves how do you think the birds could breed and the saplings grow?

A. Pace

Sep 20th 2010, 15:23

I fail to see any connection between the two arguments! As far as I know, I never get assaulted or fired at Simar and Ghadira reserves.

On the other thanks to these two well-cared bird sanctuaries we have some guarantee that God's nature gifts are protected from rambo style shooting.

Steve Zammit

Sep 20th 2010, 15:25

Mr.Farrugia

''However Simar and Ghadira reserves can only be used by privileged few, like Birdlife and co for a picnic. The public needs to reclaim these sites.''

What ''privilaged few''??? The reserves will reopen from next November untill May from 10 till 4 for EVERYONE including hunters. There is no sign saying hunters cannot enter Ghadira and Simar. I think you should visit nature reserves abroad....some of them involves paying money. In Malta they are all FREE. In a nature resrve nature IS the host and WE are the guest. Have you ever gone to Mizieb to see all the garbage left after Sunday picnics???

One doesn't go to Ghadira or Simar to have a picnic!!! They go there to learn and appreciate nature in an unique way like no where else. Ghadira and Simar are examples of how nature should really be enjoyed, an important area for a number of species and more than a 150 bird species are recorded every year at these reserves. Some of them which are really rare and never were recorded anywhere else in Malta...and yet you still complain why one cannot have a picnic!!

Andrew Gatt

Sep 20th 2010, 15:26

Yeah, Ramon, sure.......a poaching paradise indeed.....all those millions of birds, breeding away in an orgy of avian reproduction............nests and eggs everywhere.....main migratory flyway..........NOT!

Let's face it, Birdlife's "reserves" are little more than oversize duckponds, with a few pet ducks all year round and a few migrant visitors. The way they talk, you'd think they were the size of Gozo and heaving with fowl! Birdlife maths, I call it. 1+1 = 100....! Helps keep the funds flowing, I guess.

Jason Borg

Sep 20th 2010, 15:30

Mr. Farrugia - it seems you do not have the slightest idea of what a nature reserve is, and the difference between a nature reserve and an open, public place.

And if you have any kind of proof that BirdLife members use the nature reserves for picnics, please bring it out. Othewise I would have to say that this is part of your pathetic imagination.

Joe Grima Brussels

Sep 20th 2010, 15:44

Mr Farrugia,do you by chance consider yourself 'underpriviledged' because you are not allowed to carry a gun into Ghadira and Simar, to watch the birds??? I have visited these sanctuaries. No one stopped me.
P.S. I forgot to mention an important detail: I was unarmed!

Ramon Casha

Sep 21st 2010, 06:08

@Andrew Gatt: That doesn't stop them from trying.

J Simpson

Sep 22nd 2010, 07:52

Andrew Gatt.....we have few birdlife in Malta because hunters can't see a tiny little bird because they kill it!!!!!! apart from that....Natural reserves are there to be NATURAL RESERVES and not for stupid people to go and make picnics and leave a mess. Unfortunately lots of people don't know how to have fun and respect nature at the same time....so natural reserves have to be closed!!!

john borg

Sep 20th 2010, 15:41

you make me laugh.....hunting exists in every country in the world, your moan comments put malta in medival times, wat/ele bills are there to stay and only your personal investment in power saving equipment can help you out !!!

M. Fenech

Sep 20th 2010, 22:54

@j. borg. I wasn't complaining about hunting, but about ARROGANCE!!!!!

Johnny Xerri

Sep 21st 2010, 12:54

Can EFA , Simon Busutill, Gonzi, & GonziPN state if they stole our vote or were just plain stupid and did not know how to apply a derogation?

Once the minister answers your question;

"can the minister of rural affairs or lands states whether there is a legal agreement with the hunters to manage the area and keep anyone out of the area."

he may answer mine;

Can the minister of rural affairs or lands state whether there is a legal agreement with Bird Life Malta to manage simar and ghadira and keep anyone out of the area.

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