Government to allow trapping of Song Thrush

The government said today it will allow trapping for Song Thrush (Mlievez) having been satisfied that the right conditions exist for a derogation on the basis of a recommendation by the Ornis Committee

Trapping will be allowed from tomorrow up to January 10.

The  government said, however, that more study is needed before it can apply a derogation for the trapping of Golden Plover (pluviera) to ensure that such a derogation respects the EU's Birds Directive.

The government said the police have been asked to ensure that regulations are respected, including details on the Carnet de Chasse and the size of trapping nets.

The Hunters' Federation earlier this month insisted that the government could, in terms of a derogation under the Birds Directive, allow trapping for both Song Thrush and Golden Plover. BirdLife has warned that allowing such trapping could see Malta facing fresh infringement proceedings by the European Commission.