Hunters’ federation vows ‘to eradicate criminals’

The hunters’ federation received reports of illegal hunting and would cooperate with the police to bring these criminals to justice, secretary general Lino Farrugia said.

“Any illegal shooting of protected bird species is absolutely unacceptable, and the FKNK, with the assistance of the police and backed up with the full weight of the wrath of its thousands of genuine members, will continue striving so that these criminals are eradicated from the countryside once and for all,” he said.

Mr Farrugia said the federation had received reports of illegal shooting of protected species and immediately informed the police. On Tuesday, the federation was informed someone had tried, with the use of artificial lighting, to shoot marsh harriers that had landed close to Burmarrad at about 9.30 p.m.

Another report yesterday said someone shot a grey heron near Tal-Fagħta in Kalkara at about 10 a.m.

The federation warned members that anyone arraigned on cases of illegal shooting on protected species would have their membership suspended. If found guilty by the court, membership would be withdrawn.

Mr Farrugia said he hoped that, once a member was expelled, he would not be accepted by another hunting organisation. A hunter has to be a member of an organisation to obtain a hunting and trapping licence.

“FKNK once more appeals to the government so that, with its help, an adequate solution is found so that these cases are addressed and will not continue to harm the genuine hunters,” he said.