BirdLife continues to receive shot protected birds
This Barn Swallow was last Monday recovered shot from Rabat and handed over to the ALE for rehabilitation. Photo: Paul Webb, BirdLife
BirdLife has continued to receive shot protected birds and reports of widespread shooting and killing of birds of prey and herons, particularly following unstable weather over the Mediterranean this last week, the organisation said.
It said that the stormy weather at the beginning of the week brought in a considerable migration of falcons and kestrels.
Last Tuesday and Wednesday, BirdLife received five Common Kestrels with verified gunshot injuries.
Three had to be euthanized by a veterinarian owing to the multiple fractures and open wounds caused by gunshot, while the other two were passed over to the ALE for rehabilitation. Kestrels coming in over Buskett to roost were also shot at yesterday afternoon, BirdLife said.
It said that over the weekend, birdwatchers witnessed large flocks of Night Herons, Grey Herons, Purple Herons and Little Egrets from different locations.
After the mid-day storm of last Saturday, a flock of nine Night Herons which made its way inland, was met with a barrage of gunshots in Fgura, resulting in at least three shot down along the Cottonera fortifications.
Two Little Egrets were later in the afternoon shot at in the Buskett area, while a Grey Heron was shot at in Mellieha on Sunday and another killed in Girgenti on Monday.
Other reports of illegal hunting on birds of prey include shooting at and killing of Osprey, Short Toed Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Sparrow Hawk and Marsh Harriers.
BirdLife has also received four shot honey buzzards, one of which was retrieved metres away from the Prime Minister’s residence in Marsascala last Saturday.
Rare migrants observed in the last few days have also been targeted such as a Black Stork gunned down in Hal Far and a Greater Flamingo chased by sea hunters.
Earlier this morning a Black Stork which had just escaped shots fired from Qala in Gozo, was gunned down by sea hunters over the Gozo channel. The sea hunters handed the stork over to two individuals on motorbikes in Qala before heading back out to sea.
Since the end of Raptor Camp in September further shot and injured birds were recovered by BirdLife staff including; a Barn Swallow, Blue Rock Trush, and two Night Herons, the organisation said.
It said that the shot birds it received were the tip of the iceberg. The chances of BirdLife receiving a shot protected bird was very remote as the bird had to first escape the hunter, then be found by someone who was willing to handle it and take it to BirdLife.
The number of shot protected birds that were being given to government authorities is not known to BirdLife Malta.
“Since the end of Raptor Camp, BirdLife office received 14 shot protected birds and only two legally huntable birds, a Common Quail and a Moorhen. Since there are around 12,000 licensed shooters in Malta who can legally shoot over 30 bird species, this disproportion between the huntable species and protected species BirdLife office receive suggests that protected birds continue to be prized targets in Malta,” Tolga Temuge, BirdLife Malta executive director said.
He said that Malta, as an EU member state, had an obligation to enforce the Birds Directive.
Lack of strong law enforcement in the countryside, coupled with low fines at the courts, encouraged poachers who flouted national and EU laws.
“We once again call on the government to immediately establish a wildlife crime unit and increase the minimum penalties to a level that would act as serious deterrent,” he said.
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Kenneth Cassar
Oct 18th 2010, 15:17
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin:
Trust you to speak of "tarnishing reputations". See: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101001/local/poachers-target-eagle-and-black-storks-birdlife
Don't bother looking for the libellous comment. It was removed.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 18th 2010, 10:51
Vera Sant Fournier, Messrs Johnny Xerri and M Cardona have given you factual replies and yet you keep trying to impose your opinions on others. You have a right for your opinion BUT please let us have theirs. Notwithstanding that I am not a hunter, I still strongly believe that the many Maltese law-abiding hunters have the same rights to practise their traditional pastime similar to other EU citizens. You never give up do you. Your extremist and blinkered comments are now verging on the ridiculous. Keep on dreaming about your ban on hunting. Many people I know are not bothered at all with hunting. You seem to be enjoying playing the advocate for Vera! Well, birds of a feather flock together!!
Sean Azzopardi, in trying to ridicule hunters, you are ending up ridiculing yourself. You do not know a thing about the topic and yet try to bla bla, exposing your ignorance in the process!
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 20th 2010, 19:24
What is ridiculous is people still thinking it as a good, honorable hobby, in my opinion and as said before many others (MANY), it is not. . .far from it actually, regardless of any facts. There are other facts you have to see Ms.Zarb Darmanin . . . other facts that imply harm and dis balance of the environment that belongs to our grandchildren, I suggest you look up some things. In my opinion hunters should try clay pigeon shooting for a buzz. This is what I call is talent and skill . . .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMfW_Ybh-Og
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 21st 2010, 13:14
@ Sylvana - I don't feel that Sean is exposing ignorance at all, he is asking a simple questions which really I have asked myself a couple of times...what is the kick people get out of hunting?...ignorance is not asking questions at all...I can label ignorance on oh so many other things in this day & age...@Mr.Cardona - yes I do have a lot to say...@ Mr.Xerri, your actually comparing hunting birds to farming (farmers hating their crops) I'm sorry I find that lame....what do you do with a dead bird, eat it? Or stuff it for exhibition? ...there are 2 opposing views on all this...2 views which will never meet eye to eye...let's just it...it's just an ongoing circle - much like I am being labelled as an extreamist, I feel the same about all the opposing comments...please take a moment to see this - the cinametoghraphy is beautiful it is a non profit full length film supported by groups such as Gucci - Alexander Mcqeen etc...enjoy it & learn some other facts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU&feature=youtube_gdata_player. - Thanks & regards.
M. Cardona
Oct 18th 2010, 08:30
@ Ms Sant Fournier,
I told you, you had a whole lot to say!
Regards
Sean Azzopardi
Oct 17th 2010, 22:11
Mr? Xerri
i am tough enough not to have given in to such a weak 'sport' 'hobby' or whatever you call it.....
tell me what is the kick out of hunting.... what do you get out of it? Does it make you feel good inside? is it a high? Come on we would really like to know what the necessary need you have to do what you do...... is it the firing of a gun? Is it the healthy fresh air that you get when walking around looking for a bird to shoot? is ith the fact that you were lucky enough to shoot a rare bird and say you were the last to see it? 17 million strong are you? POWER wins as usual..... Thats what it is POWER.... you like it .... it runs through your veins everytime you shoot a bird..... yeah you really like that dont you....makes you feel like a man going back home and to tell yor family,' look at BIG ME , i,ve gone out and shot a few birds with my big gun , who's the daddy?'.
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 17th 2010, 22:10
. . . .gibberish . .have you even read the article Mr.Cardona?. . .seems strange that most shot birds are illegal . . only “Since the end of Raptor Camp, Bird Life office received 14 shot protected birds and only two legally hunt-able birds . . .Maybe Mr.Xerri is one of the few, at least . . .But Mr.Cardona, please spare me your theory on what I'm trying to spoon feed anyone. . .we are not theorizing here.
Sean Azzopardi
Oct 17th 2010, 22:10
Mr? Xerri
i am tough enough not to have given in to such a weak 'sport' 'hobby' or whatever you call it.....
tell me what is the kick out of hunting.... what do you get out of it? Does it make you feel good inside? is it a high? Come on we would really like to know what the necessary need you have to do what you do...... is it the firing of a gun? Is it the healthy fresh air that you get when walking around looking for a bird to shoot? is ith the fact that you were lucky enough to shoot a rare bird and say you were the last to see it? 17 million strong are you? POWER wins as usual..... Thats what it is POWER.... you like it .... it runs through your veins everytime you shoot a bird..... yeah you really like that dont you....makes you feel like a man going back home and to tell yor family,' look at BIG ME , i,ve gone out and shot a few birds with my big gun , who's the daddy?'.
Johnny xerri
Oct 18th 2010, 11:50
Obviously there is no reasoning with extremists.
The 'kick' you mentioned with hunting just shows that you know nothing about what you're talking about.
The feeling about hunting is not just that of catching the bird.
Knowing that you managed a habitat, that you planted trees and sown wheat, and that you managed to create a pond with reeds.
Knowing that through sustinable farming practices i.e. planting trees and food sources for birds, using organic pesticides, rebuilding rubble walls, you have the privillage of hunting game species, whilst at the same time having helped other species (not just birds).
The satisfaction I get when a bird of prey leaves as I enter my trees is fasinating, just as much as when a gamebird is flushed and humanely killed.
I know that through my hobby, that bird found refuge in trees and safely left the island. The refuge is there because the land wasnot specualted and turned into a concreate jungle.
Satisfaction is also acheived when one consumes the game, aware of its freshness, the lack of artificial feeds.
Hunters do not hunt because they hate birds. Sustainable hunting is similiar to farming. Nobody acusses the farmer of hating his crops.
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 17th 2010, 22:00
I would sign a petition to ban all hunting in Malta any day . .and trust me . . .a lot would too . . .as I'm sure most of you know. . .I'm not finding ways to gut feed anyone, I am just talking about other truths & harsh realities . . its actually a pity you think I'm doing that, rather why don't you do some re-search yourself Mr.Cardona.We are all entitled to an opinion, this is mine . . .then again we are all entitled to an opinion but no one is obliged to listen to it. . .
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 22:40
Why a petition to stop hunting in Malta and not the rest of the EU. Is it ok to kill a bird in the other EU member states, but not ok to kill a bird in Malta? Or maybe is it because it is easy to impress the gullible in Malta, whereas the other member states would politely tell you were to stick or shove your petition.
As long as hunting is allowed, per the birds directive, in the EU Malta will aslo have its season. Any less would be discriminatory, which is not allowed by the EU. Enjoy some facts, such as the fact that this year spring, summer and autumn hunting was allowed, an no matter how much foul cry was heard by BLM & the anits, the EU commission did not bat an eyelid.
The offer to hug my 500 olive trees is still on.
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 17th 2010, 21:53
@ Mr.Xerri . . . 500 trees?!??! WOW . . . keep it up . . .that's nice to know . . . . honestly it is . .seems like you are a fellow tree huger too at the end of the day . . a fostered child. . . now thats a good example. . .
@Mr.Cardona
This is an ongoing circle . . .it gets nowhere. . .thick people . .I suggest you get some facts about other things besides hunting, spear fishing, politics etc . . .there is much more information you should be informed about. . .in this day and age . . gibberish . .me!?!? Let's not go there now with regards to who says a whole lot of gibberish. . once again good night to you all!!
It's been emotional . . .
M. Cardona
Oct 17th 2010, 21:10
@ Ms Sant Fournier,
you seem all intent to imply a whole lot but in reality its all gibberish. You haven't got the slightest clue. You have a very biased formulated idea which you want to gut-feed us all? Thanks but no thanks.
Over and out to you too LOL
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 17th 2010, 19:33
Johnny . . . have you traveled? Have you seen the size of other countries in Europe? If the answer is yes then I'm sure you have noticed the difference in size of other European countries in compare to Malta . . .Therefore . . .do not compare Malta to other European countries, we are quite different in a lot of things. . .mentality for one reason, which you are proving to have one which is quite old school if I may .Hence in Malta there is no way we can have the same amount of hunting or hunters for that matter as other European countries .Tree huger you say . . .come hug a tree with me . . .do something different for a change,ahasra kemm ghadna lura . . . besides I really don't care where it is allowed . . .it is an immoral, chauvinistic, bla hsieb ta xejn 'hobby' . . .if you wanna feel good, spend some money on a donation for a kid who doesn't have any drinking water instead. . trust me you'll feel more like a man then holding a gun and shooting birds . Have a good evening :-)
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 20:50
Dear I travel aroung 6 times a year on work related trips and 2 times a year to hutn in the UK. So I know what I'm talking about. As a matter of fact whether I give donations or not is none of your business.
My mentality is not at all old school. Old school is impossing ones believe on others. Old school is ignoring laws and regulations set in the birds directive an impossing ones believe. Old school would be dictating what should be done and interfiering on how one should spend his money & time.
As for spending time hugging a tree with you....well since I planted over 500 trees you will have a hel of a job hugging them all alone since I already have a lovely wife and kids, and a fostered child to hug
Sean Azzopardi
Oct 17th 2010, 15:41
@ Mr? John Xerri
couldnt agree with vera more... that should shut u all up..... human rights? 17 million hunters in europe...... what a disgrace Europe is then for even allowing a hunting season..... if those are the true figures then there must be alot more hunters than there are birds in the sky!
Maybe you should convert and try do some good for nature , you might find it will occupy your free time when you cant hunt Mr Xerri... actually if you are hard enough , why dont you come point your gun at me? then we will see what happens.... sad people that cant think of anything else better to do.... at least people who work in fireworks factories have the risk of putting themselves in danger to keep tradition , you just destroy everything that is good with your guns..... go fight the war in afghanistan helu!!!
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 20:43
Sean, I do not need to point a gun at anyone to get my point through, but if you are hard enough, try to petion the EU to stop all hunting. Good luck
No matter how though you may want us to believe you are, you will surely not scare me out of practicing legal hunting.
Jason Borg
Oct 17th 2010, 21:09
Then why is Mr. Xerri so angry whenever the truth comes out about the scale of illegal hunting in Malta?
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 22:46
@ Jason Borg,
Come on large scale rampant illegal hunting. A photo a week. With 17000 hunters rampant illegal hunting would result in tons of cartridges being imported and masses of birds falling out of the sky at the rate at which rain falls. BLM is luck to have at max 15 claims of poached protected species.
And if law abiding citizens had to be sacrificed becase of paochers, then what should happen to drivers when at just Imriehel 15000 speeding tickets were dished out?
Much as I hate poaching, poaching has nothing to do with hunting, it is simply a different issue.
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 17th 2010, 12:35
Dear Mr.John Xerri . . .
Irrelevant of all the politics - irrelevant of who falls under what 'class' of citizen - irrelevant of any of this . . . . This planet took millions of years to create what we have managed to practically destroy in a couple of thousands. . .I think we are way beyond the politics - its more the ethics to protect and salvage what we have left , and trust me, it ain't much - what needs to be implemented is an education to protect what is natural and not to continue upsetting the delicate balance of all that gave us the opportunity to live how we do today . . .what about the grand children of these hunters and of everyone . . .will they ever see another bird fly? enjoy a piece of tuna steak? or even manage to see any fish whatsoever in our seas, the list goes on and on . . . I rest my case - ETHICS & MORALS . . . EDUCATION ON BOTH!!!! URGENTLY REQUIRED!!!
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 17th 2010, 13:36
& Just for the record . . . . .inferior rights . . . please!
Inferior rights is what you are borrowing from your children and from mine and from every person who will live on this planet & island in the next 50 years . . . you are stripping away their right to see a bird in the sky! A fish in the ocean!!
Frankly you have no right to!
Wake up and smell the coffee . . . over & out!
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 15:29
I suggest you go and have a chat with the chaps in Brussels so that they amend the Birds Directive so that it states that no hunting can take place on any EU member states land. Untill then we are entitled to hunt like all other europeans.
Just for the record, the Birds Directive is based on sustainability issues, and not on some tree huggers principle. Sustainability implies harvest enough today to guarantee that the live stock level is not deteriorated and so future generations are not deprived. If you have a problem with sustainable hunting or harvest of fish, then either press for a new Vera 2010 Birds Directive or else go hug the next tree.
Hunting is allowed all over the world EU included so WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!!!!OVER & OUT
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 17th 2010, 19:44
BTW - Did you know that another reason you cannot compare Malta to other European countries is that, due to the position of Malta in the Med, we are lucky enough to have such species of birds which just pass by and move on not migrating to Europe...Flamingos passing Malta heading south . . guess what? . . they were shot. . . therefore we have species other European countries don't have . . .why ruin that . .ma nafx. . .its your kind of mentality that will get the world nowhere . . .and this country! Anyway, don't get your panties in a twist, just think tonight before you go to sleep, how you can do better things with your money & your time . . .Good night Mr.Xerri, it's been an interesting conversation.
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 20:39
Birds that migrate over Malta and not seem in Europe? Are you serious??? The birds that migrate over Malta actually do originate from Malta...in fact the falmingo is present all year round (not just breeding) in; Spain, Portugal, Lampedusa.
Birds that migrate over Malta in autumn come from the north and migarte to the south, i.e Europe to Africa....during spring they migrate north, i.e. from Africa to Europe. So how can it be that Malta is blessed with birds not seen elsewhere, when Malta is not even on a migratory route but simply gets its share of is known as dispersed migration??
Moreover, flamingoes and other potected birds are not huntable, and have nothing to do with hunting. They are just victims of criminal poachers. Banning hunting will not frther protect these species.
Since game species are hunted all over the world it is your reasoning and your believes that will get us nowhere.
As for how I spend my money and time...thanks for the advice...pause stopped to think...came to a conclusion...on licences, insurance, cartridges, guns and dogs.
Sean Azzopardi
Oct 17th 2010, 12:21
illegal hunting is nothing new....... i think there should also be some consideration on to what is going on in our seas.... There is illegal spearfishing going on probably more than there is hunting , and because the practice is not as visible and as noisy underwater , there is less people aware of what is going on.
Its not enough that spearfishers have the whole sea around the island to do it , but they have the cheek to go on wrecks (which are divers property and supposingly illegal to fish on), and spear down fish that had become residents and attractions of these wrecks.
I am not saying to ban all spearfishing , but there should be both designated protected areas from fishing and areas in which legal fishing practices can be held....
And to those who call themselves 'divers' who go harpooning fish whilst using scuba techniques , which is considered very illegal, should really start thinking twice before they carry out such illegal and unfair practices....
The people should be on the lookout for these criminals and report such activity
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 16:49
Sean,
I not only hunt, but also fish, both from the ground (hook & line) and spearfish.
People who; target (not hunt) protected bird species, spearfish using illegal methods (such as scuba equipment or lamping techniques) or fish using bombs (yep bomba thrown in the water, detonated, and then the fish simply collected from the surface), are neither hunters nor fisherman. They are criminals.
Legal hunting and fishing (both hook 'n line and spearfishing) should be controlled using sustainability based laws. Criminals should be regarded as so and penalised. But never should an honest man practicing these hobbies be penalised because of these criminals
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 17th 2010, 19:55
Mr.Xerri . . .Try doing proper diving instead of spear fishing . . .
Mr.Xerri, there are plenty other worthy hobbies in the world.
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 22:49
@ Vera Sant Fournier,
As long as abide by the law ad the law is based on sustainable harvest, then I will continue to practice both hunting and fishing. If they become unsustainable then I would change my ways of life. Until then I will keep enjoying both.
Incidently what hobby do you have? It would be interesting to know.
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 22nd 2010, 18:59
Mr.Xerri - They already are unsustainable . . . Watch a documentary called 'The End of the Line'.
Vera Sant Fournier
Oct 17th 2010, 11:31
Hunters have a huge ego problem!!!!! Get a real Hobby!!! And leave what belongs free and what is natural alone . . . .this is all plain sad . . .ever considered clay pigeon shooting as a real hobby. . . have a look at this and then consider it . .here is your first lesson . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOWf6NAih5w
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 12:09
Dear Vera Sant Fournier,
The huge ego is coming from the anits. Demanding equal rights similiar to those enjoyed not only by all EU member states, but by the hunters all over the world, is not ego, but simply not accepting to be classified as second class citizens. If the 17 million european hunters have a season, then so should we. If you accept inferior rights, I do not. Whats more we were promised through a referendum and election that hunting would only improve, once again fighting so that democratic obligations are observed is not ego, but simply democratic right.
Glenn Micallef
Oct 16th 2010, 17:54
I am perplexed as to how facts are twisted here. So now illegal hunters are no longer poachers but hunters, and getting 18 months for bribing a public officer is understood as getting 18 months for a hunting offence.
What many do not understand is how FKNK and the law abiding hunter never see any illegality, and accuse BLM of blowing the issue out of proportion, but injured birds make the news weekly.....
As regards Spring hunting, many know that the autumn passage of quail and espescially Turtle dove cannot compare to the spring passage. However, the ECJ clearly stated that the Spring hunting has to be very limited and well enforced. If there are 12000 registered hunters and introducing a stupid bag limit of say 10 each of turtle dove and quail, it would mean 240,000 birds shot. Not exactly limited... But they only want to be other, so they have the licence to kill. As regards proper enforcement, everybody can see for themselves what is happening now, and spring will be no better.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 16th 2010, 15:25
Emanuel Debono, were you abroad this last week??!!! The Courts also "Prosecute,and FINE People that don't obey" Hunting Rules. Actually, only this week, the Court condemned two hunters to 18 months imprisonment! Why are you finding it so difficult to understand my well-explained comment?! Most antis irresponsibly tarnish the reputation of the many Maltese law-abiding hunters with the wrong-doings of poachers. That is the argument and that is extremism, disrespect and deceit!! Take off your blinkers, try understanding the argument and refrain from conveniently playing the fool, Sir!!
Emanuel Debono
Oct 16th 2010, 02:28
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
What are you on about !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This what you Said, and I quote:
"Am I to tarnish the reputation of all men because there are rapists amongst them? Am I to tarnish the reputation of all priests because there are some who abuse children? Am I to tarnish the reputation of all drivers because there are irresponsible drivers amongst them?"
We JAIL Rapists........
We JAIL Pedophiles.........
We Prosecute,and FINE People that don't obey Road Rules...and you come up with this.
Do you think that,if there were Rapists,Pedophiles and people disobeying Road rules and running around in the places that were mentioned in the above article like......... ....Buskett,Fgura,Mellieha,Girgenti,Marsascala,Hal Far,Qala, ......people would not be condemning their actions !!!!!!!!!!
There are too many of these felons shooting Protected BIRDS !!!!
Buskett,Fgura,Mellieha,Girgenti,Marsascala,Hal Far,Qala,
Johnny Xerri
Oct 16th 2010, 14:40
Finally what I expected to see!!
Just like a driver is a person who legally drives from point A to point B, and a joyrider is some one who illegally and dangerously drives from point A to point B. A hunter is a person who hunts legal game during legal seasons, a poacher is a person who illegally hunt protected species, or during closed seasons, or using illegal methods.
This is what you said and I qoute
"We JAIL Rapists........
We JAIL Pedophiles.........
We Prosecute,and FINE People that don't obey Road Rules...."
But we do not jail all men when a rape occurs. Nor do we jail all adults when pedos strick. Nor do we prosecute all drivers when drivers do not obey Road Rules.
Applying your line of thought, likewise I expect that only poachers are fined or jailed.
William P Flynn
Oct 16th 2010, 00:27
The big brave hunter shot a swallow. Wow! Can I have his autograph? What a hero!
Robert Callus
Oct 15th 2010, 23:14
I know hunters who dutifully abide by the law, and do not like to generalize. However, I believe 100% what Birdlife is saying for a very simple reason - many hunters who break the law, even BRAG openly about it as if it's OK. And they aren't 1 or 2.
Steve Zammit
Oct 15th 2010, 22:24
Poor Swallow...it seems its migration has been cut short by one irresponsible idiot/illegal hunter.
Last Sunday I went for a walk near my house and I was disgusted to see Barn Swallows being shot at, 2 Tree Pipits being killed and a Common Kestrel being shot at 3 times by two different idiots! SHAME
Insomma huwx keep on digging a deeper grave...Zero tolerance my foot! Who is in charge...running this country? Kulhadd jaghmel li irrid!
I cannot believe that we still have idiots running around in our countryside and shoot at anything that flies.
C Cassar
Oct 15th 2010, 22:14
What's needed is a significant increase in foreign monitors and enforcers based in Malta from countries such as Germany, The Netherlands and Scandanavia. The Maltese haven't got a clue and are still stuck in the past . Malta is an EU member and should learn from those countries where discipline and enforcement is the norm. Time for Malta to bend over and take a significant caning - it's the only language that it can understand until it becomes educated.
Johnny Xerri
Oct 16th 2010, 14:32
What a farce of a comment!!! LOL germany correcting us!!!!
http://www.komitee.de/en/projects/germany/raptor-poaching
http://www.komitee.de/en/projects/germany/raptor-poaching/village-disternich-europe039s-largest-ever-raptor-massacre
http://www.komitee.de/en/projects/germany/raptor-poaching/falconer-caught-trapping-february-2010
http://www.komitee.de/en/projects/germany/raptor-poaching/6-buzzards-found-dead-february-2009
Do you seriously believe that poaching does not happen abroad? As for those claiming that the incidents in Malta are just the tip of the iceberg because BLM cannot observe all the countryside, then what is this in Germany which is much much larger than Malta? The needle tip of a mega iceberg??
Charles Gauci
Oct 15th 2010, 20:53
Ifthilhom l-istagun fir-rebbiegha Dr. Gonzi halli izjed tohrog ta' ragel.
Johnny Xerri
Oct 16th 2010, 14:23
Difficult for the PM to be viewed as an honourable man after promising through his party when he was 2nd place down from the leader and PM EFA, that hunting would continue and only improve...at most the PM can be seen as an accomplice vote stealer, a man of no word....who gave in to BLM's demands.....a man of honour surely not, unless he apologises for the 3 banned spring seasons and opens the next seasons.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 15th 2010, 20:43
While condemning all illegalities, I strongly feel that I should also condemn all those who, through their comments, try to tarnish the reputation of the many Maltese law-abiding hunters! Very immature! Am I to tarnish the reputation of all men because there are rapists amongst them? Am I to tarnish the reputation of all priests because there are some who abuse children? Am I to tarnish the reputation of all drivers because there are irresponsible drivers amongst them? Am I to say that all those commenting below are extremists, disrespectful and gullible just because certain antis act this way? As for those dreaming of a ban on hunting, keep on dreaming! Notwithstanding BLM and Co's persistent deceitful claims (some of which have been exposed for what they are by the ECJ, the Maltese hunters may now also enjoy their Spring Hunting Season! So much for claims that this is illegal, or that hunting will be banned! Keep on dreaming!
Joseph Brincat
Oct 15th 2010, 19:46
Viva il-Kacca la x-xitan irid hekk!
c. Abela
Oct 15th 2010, 19:43
These reports are alarming especially as we must assume these are only the tip of the iceberg. Clearly hunting is out of control and dominated by poachers, a real cancer to our country. Hunters, you have proved unwilling or unable to eliminate these cowboy elements in your ranks, so why are you surprised when people demand a hunting ban? You do nothing to convince us - with deeds not words - that your majority are lawabiding and want to eliminate this problem. You really expect the undermanned authorities to do what 1000s of you dont do in your own interest? When a cancer cant be healed it is removed. The parties need to do what's right and cooperate to eliminate this disease which has earned us the shameful label of the bird killing country. People need to have the guts to declare they will not vote for the cowardly parties that forfeit our environment for votes. PN, PL, we want governments with spines not insecure power seekers!
M. Cardona
Oct 15th 2010, 19:27
A wonderful online forum which enhances the submissions of all BLM members! We''ll wait with bated breath for the rest of the conundrum's contribution ;-)
joe scerri
Oct 15th 2010, 19:11
@Joe Camilleri So you would like us to believe (or swallow as you yourself are stating) that hunters only hunt "huntable" species? No we are not that gullible. If you had a shred of credibilty you should have the decency to condemn this not try to justify it.
Johnny Xerri
Oct 16th 2010, 14:17
@jan willem van avendonk,
Through your reasoning;
1. When someone is killed by a joydriver, all drivers should assume responsability, since we have the same driving licence.
2. When the next women is raped, all males should assume responsability, since we have the same tackle.
3. When the next item is stolen, since we all have hands.
Come on collective punishments are as rediculous a shooting a protected species. Poaching is deplorable and has to stop, but that does not mean that hunting has to stop.
Joe Camilleri
Oct 15th 2010, 18:51
A LOT OF USLESS COMMENTS FROM THE ANTIS. Don't you that this bird is a swallow, a non huntable species. So what does hunting have to do with it. The SWALLOW should be the emblem of most commenters here, since they SWALLOW everything BLM says.
jan willem van avendonk
Oct 15th 2010, 18:58
I think your comment is senseless since it is HUNTERS who shoot it , rightly so you said its NON HUNTABLE, so why was it shot ? I m sure its not the police who shot at it !? HUNTING=HUNTERS=SHOOTING BIRDS(legal or non legal birds)
N.Cutajar
Oct 15th 2010, 19:36
Make sense pls.
Michael Porter
Oct 15th 2010, 21:09
Ma fhimtekx Guz!
J Abela
Oct 15th 2010, 18:33
This is true - I've heard lots of shots at Kalkara recently and even seen a bird being shot down. The funny thing is that these individuals continue to break the law and who knows - they might pretend to be 'konservazzjonisti'.
peter decelis
Oct 15th 2010, 17:43
Ma titghallmu qatt u tahsbu li ghax ghandkom senter f`idejkom tisparaw fuq x`hiex u fejn tridu! Il-maggoranza assoluta tal Maltin huma kontra il- kacca, ftit eluf biss huma favur il- kacca u mhux veru li il- kaccaturi jivvutaw ghall min jaqbez ghalihom kif jixdhu ir-rizultati ta l-elezzjonijiet generali. Jien minn dejjem kont Laburist izda dawn l-ahhar sentejn ma mortx nivvota ghax il- partit donnu jghati x'jifhem li meta ikun fil gvern ihalli lil kaccaturi jghamlu li iridu. Il-pn dejjem halla lill-MLP ihaddan fi hgaru lill-kaccaturi ghax jaf li b`hekk jitlef il-voti u l-MLP elezzjoni wara ohra ma jindunax u jaqa fin-nassa!!
Johnny Xerri
Oct 16th 2010, 14:12
Do you seriously believe that hunters do not vote according to who protects their interest?
Then why did Edward Demicoli and Alan Diedun gather just a 2 pence worth of votes between them, and John Attrad Montaldo get elected (JAM, was hardly promoted by the PL and thats no secret for any PL supporter)?
Then why was there a need to steal my and other hunters vote in the referendum?
I come from a hardcore PN family, but guess what....37 votes were collected by myself and shown to the street leader, who just hung his head and said "ma nafx min ser jithak l- ahar, ghax kif sejrin iktar qed nitilfu mili nigbru, ghamilt sew forsi xi darba jistmawkom ta nies wara li serqulkom il vot, jien nisthi ta li ghamlilkom EFA" That was in 2008, then in 2009 the vote went to JAM.
Joseph Aquilina
Oct 15th 2010, 17:08
and the government stays there doing nothing! It is time to stop this barbaric sports. In the UK fox hunting is illegal even though it was part of their traditions!! It is time that political parties (BOTH OF THEM) realise that principles are more importantly than a bunch of votes!
Andrew Gatt
Oct 15th 2010, 17:30
To be factal.....actually, in England, foxes can be trapped, shot, gassed and snared. 365 days a year, 24/7.
CHris Finch
Oct 15th 2010, 18:06
Andrew, I think Joseph's point was that the 'socio-traditional- cultural passtime' of fox hunting with hounds that has been going on for centuries is now illegal. As is bear baiting, dog fighting, lamping etc. All once socio-tradtional passtimes just like shooting birds in Malta. All it takes is a bit of political will.
Johnny Xerri
Oct 16th 2010, 14:03
Chris Finch,
Fox hunting with hounds was not banned, but was restricted. Please read:
"Former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair said he deliberately sabotaged the ban on fox hunting his government introduced, calling it “one of the domestic legislative measures I most regret.”
In his memoir “A Journey,” published by Random House today, Blair said he ensured that the 2004 Hunting Act was “a masterly British compromise” that left enough loopholes to allow hunting to continue “provided certain steps were taken to avoid cruelty when the fox is killed.” He also told Home Office minister Hazel Blears to steer the police away from enforcing the law."
Blair said he initially agreed to a ban without properly understanding the issue. Then, during a vacation in Italy, he found himself talking to the mistress of a hunt near Oxford.
“She took me calmly and persuasively through what they did, the jobs that were dependent on it, the social contribution of keeping the hunt and the social consequence of banning it, and did it with an effect that completely convinced me,” Blair said.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-31/blair-says-he-undercut-fox-hunting-ban-as-primeval-passions-drove-debate.html
Wasn't your Lanzarote 'fact' embarrassing enough???..Keep it up mate....I enjoy shooting&eating your 'facts' just as much as shooting&eating gamebirds......
Chris Finch
Oct 17th 2010, 23:16
Jonny,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_hunting
Seems you like to just quote sources that seem to back up your argument. Fox hunting with hounds is unlawful in the UK. The amendment to the act proposed by Blair was voted down.
The argument however is the fact that because something is seen as traditional, it doesn't mean it can't be made illegal.
Enjoy your lead filled flying rat whilst you can. Soon it will be over.
Johnny Xerri
Oct 18th 2010, 18:54
The link you provided means nthing when compared to that from bloomberg. Moreover, I travel a lot to the UK both on work and on hunting trips and fox hunting is still legally practiced. The activity was heavily regulated and curbed, but it is still legally practiced. Any Brit worth his salt and honest enough knows that although heavily regulated, it is still legal. As for your total ban....please forward me the list of countries who have opted for one....but included factual info....not like when you qouted lanzarote. More than a total ban, this year no matter how much BLM cried foul...the gov opened spring, summer and autumn seasons and the EU commission did not bat an eyelid. Of to eat some pan fried Thrush and Skylark with some fab Merlot....what are you gona have antibiotics and protien pumped chicken?
Darren J. Galea
Oct 15th 2010, 16:47
These poachers continue to tarnish the name of Malta throughout the world while our politicians sit idly looking the other way, twiddling their thumbs and allowing volunteers from other countries to do their dirty work for free. FKNK's failure to self-regulate allows these thugs to make a mockery of this country's laws.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Quo vadis Malta?
N.Cutajar
Oct 15th 2010, 16:40
Without doubt the most disgusting, repulsive, senseless, vile, cowardly, moronic, sadistic hobby in existence.
Anthony_Borg
Oct 15th 2010, 16:55
I add my voice to yours Mr. Cutajar.
It is beyond me how a civilized (?) human being can point a shotgun at these beautiful creatures and just blasts them out of the sky! What do they do with the shot birds??? do they eat them raw? Do they dance with glee around their carcasses???
Get civilized...go and shoot at plates.
Isola Danti
Oct 15th 2010, 17:12
I can't agree more with you. Furthermore, how many times do we have to ask:
Is there anyone in charge here?? If yes, why can such barbaric acts blatantly carry on unstoppable??
A Sammut
Oct 15th 2010, 18:46
My voice is loudly added to yours Mr or Mrs Cutajar, with another suitable adjective - sub-human. Hobby tal-misthija fit-2010.
Johnny Xerri
Oct 16th 2010, 13:16
I will add my vioce to yours only when you will also tell the rest of the world that hunting is a long gone by hobby. Come on give it a go!!!
Get real, hunting takes place all over the world, and so does poaching. Yet all countries tackle hunting on sustainability issues, and poaching with criminal curbing issues.
Before metioning how hunting is not to be done in the modern era, or that hunting is a barbaric activity, try to reason and inform yourself. Much as you might not believe it, hunting really is practiced all over the world.
As for those who will say, 'yes it is, but poaching is not commiteed anywhere except in Malta', I say, give me any country and I will provide you with tons of links showing illegal hunting.
The ban you cry for, will never ever materialise, unless it is banned all over europe. So goodluck.
Johnny Xerri
Oct 16th 2010, 13:42
@ Anthony Borg,
Yes game birds are eaten, so hunters eat what they hunt. Poachers do not. So stop poaching not hunting.
I will get 'civilised' when the rest of the world bans hunting and resorts to claypigeon shooting. Untill then I will hunt like the rest of the world's hunters.
@ Isola Dante,
Do you ask the same questions when you witness other crime such as; rape, rackless driving, corruption....
@ A Sammut,
The 'Hobby tal-misthija fit-2010.' you refer to is actually practiced by 17 million EU hunters, plus hunters from the rest of the world. Extremism on the other hand is practiced by a handfull of fools supporting organisations such as BLM who have never answered to my public call for a set of published accounts showing their wgaes and salaries.
@ BLM,
When will you publish those set of accounts with that special accounting note showing the wages and salaries? Come on shut my gob and show us that you are not there for the money, and do not need to over inflate so that you attract more funds.
R. Grech
Oct 16th 2010, 19:58
haga nejdlek sur Xerri ejdli mla dawk il maltin li huma birdwatchers minjaf kemm jaqalaw miljuni b dak il hobby
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 05:05
@ R Grech,
I take it that your comment was a sarcastic one. If that is the case than BLM have nothing to hide. So what is stopping them from publishing their accounts, and showing the wages and salaries they have?
Is it possible that BLM access the FKNK forum, and find a comment (which police investigated and found that who wrote it was not even a hunter or gun owner) from a person admitting to poaching, and yet they never noticed my comment.
BLM PUBLISH THOSE ACCOUNTS IF YOU HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE. (case intended to attract their attention)
R. Grech
Oct 17th 2010, 11:15
@ J.Xerri
Jien lilkom ma neminkomx sahta milli tejdu. Ghax dejjem tahbu il fatt li ma isirx kacca illegali bi kwantita alura li nara jien u li nisma min kaccaturi li jirakontaw huma stess huwa kollu giddeb u imaginar tal-mohh. Kien hemm kaccatur fuq ix-xoghol habib tieghi qalli dis sena tajnih il kuccard u anke l-isqra. Issa dan l stork kien qieghed fuq kemuna giet Speed boat min ghawdex u sparaw fuqu sakemm qatluh fuq il bahar.
Jekk int vera kaccatur li tohrog kuljum u li mintiex giddieb zgur li tiltaqa ma illegalitajiet imma naqbel makom li ahjar kelma nieqsa milli zejda ghax inkella il hobby taghkom imur min taht... Alura sew taghmel idur mal kliem
Johnny Xerri
Oct 17th 2010, 12:04
@ R Grech,
I have never ever in a million years stated that illegal hunting is non existant. Never ever have I said that black sheep don't exist. But I also blieve that the figure is over inflated.
I'm sorry to break the news, but your friend is not a hunter, but a criminal poacher. And you should anonomously report him.
I too here people saying "igri jigi l party li jmiss hali niblahom' or dal weekend bomba kien, sirt dahna"....reply " u jien sirt oqda, qas naf kif waslet wara l bieb il karozza"
I also hear people saying "x'income tax return...? jien niftfa €10,000 u l ohrajn indahanom caprici hali ma jider xejn"
and waht about "kienet sew man dik tal bierah, bilkemm ridet ima isikajt naqra u bam..qas kella 16, isa la tmur lura pajjiza tkun talmet ftit inglis u hafna malti pur" and the reply was "lol...isa jekk tiraporta"...u le man...partat in number plate....isa jekk tmur tejd li rikbet gol karozza tie u tatijom in numbr plate, la l karozza ma tkun taqbel u qas sida"
So are we to ban parties, self employment, and isolate foriegn students?
David Caruana
Oct 15th 2010, 16:13
The Maltese authorities won't and can't handle this.... The European Courts will though
Andrew Gatt
Oct 15th 2010, 17:35
The EU courts will not. They handled the Spring Hunting issue ONLY and delivered a verdict that allows a limited season. These illegalites are covered under existing legislation that, believe it or not, is among the most stringent in Europe. The will to enforce locally is something else entirely. And kindly note: if there is one thing that the hunting and anti-hunting organisations both are promoting, it is the setting up of a wildlife crime unit. Screeching calls for total bans are so much hot air.
Joseph calleja
Oct 15th 2010, 17:42
Yes by all means, but the government should pass any fines imposed on to the hunting community, that is those who are in possession of a licence to carry guns.
Andrew Gatt
Oct 15th 2010, 17:48
Sorry Mr Calleja, NO fines will be imposed. None were imposed regarding the Spring Hunting case and none will be imposed now. As to "passing on fines to those licensed to carry guns", well, if Malta is fined regarding environmental pollution, energy targets, power stations, black dust etc. who do you propose passing on those fines to? Anyone with a pair of lungs??
Johnny Xerri
Oct 16th 2010, 13:33
When? How?
The European Courts will only see to the matter if the European Commission instigates a case agains Malta.
The European Commission willonly instigate a case, is the practice of hunting is not regulated as per the Bird Directive.
Since the Maltese law is within the Birds Directive, then there is no reason for a case. All European Union Member States have a problem with paoching, even CABS home country Germany. But never has the Commission even warned through an infringment letter, any of these states.
So please don't patronise the gullible with; court cases, fines, and all the other cr** & Bull****, since the last time you tried it in the Spring Court case and during this year's spring season, even the European Court of Justice and the Commission turned you down and no fines were imposed.
R.Caruana
Oct 15th 2010, 15:38
With every report, every photo, every complain etc etc .... a step closer to a total ban on hunting. Can't the hunters see this coming? can't they get their act together and get rid of the poachers?
Anthony_Borg
Oct 15th 2010, 16:20
Big men, large guns, small brains.
Leave these creatures alone will you!
Enough is enough... why not engage the army to help the police monitor the countryside better.
Army parades at Valletta are nice, but these soldiers are needed elsewhere.
Adrian Allain
Oct 15th 2010, 17:13
@ R. Caruana: You say, "can't they get their act together and get rid of the poachers?"
I think that would be the minority trying to get rid of the majority. An impossible task.
B. Storace
Oct 15th 2010, 18:40
Of Course, what a good idea. The army can utilise their time practicing camoflouge, infiltration, and sneaking up on to the enemy. Once caught in the act, the supposed hunter will be disarmed, handcuffed, thrown into the back of an army lorry and driven directly to face a magistrate who will mete out justice on the spot. Community service, helping the aged, painting over grafitti, cleaning beaches, fixing rubble walls and other useful activities aimed at allieviating the burden off the government's purse and doing something beneficial for the community at large. BUT I believe I'm dreaming........
Johnny Xerri
Oct 16th 2010, 13:25
Since when are members of a democratic society threatened that if they don't get their act toghether and weed out the criminal element, then they will be stopped from their activity?
Did you and your ilk suggest this to the church when abuse victims came forward?
Did you and your ilk suggest this to the drivers when 15000 speeding tickets were issued at Imriehel?
Did you and your ilk suggest this to the law courts when 2 judges (actually chief judges) were bribbed?
Did you and your ilk suggest this to the party goers when at each and every party people are caught with drugs?
A democracy operates by having the Legislative (government elected by the people), the administrative and Exuctive (government's tools in enforcing its decisions i.e. departments and law&order forces) and the Judicial (to penalise who does not obey the laws enacted by the legislative). Government has legislated laws based on the birds directive. MEPA and the police admister and monitor these laws. The Judicial penalises who is caught breaking them. End of story. Nobody can be punished for the actions of others (unless we revert to the dark ages of dictatorship)