Trappers will be allowed to catch two bird species this autumn, instead of the one permitted last year, but will have to abide by much stricter rules.
The Government yesterday published new regulations that make some concessions to the hunters’ and trappers’ lobby group, the FKNK, in exchange for national and individual bag limits, stricter enforcement and stiffer penalties for breaching the rules.
A total of 5,000 song thrush and 1,150 golden plover – the new species – can be caught during this live-capturing season. As soon as this national quota is reached, the season will automatically close.
Trappers must now apply for a special licence valid only for this season and will have to send an SMS every time they capture a bird.
They will only be able to catch a total of six birds during the whole season and not more than three in an entire day.
The rules also stipulate the presence of at least seven police officers or marshals for every 1,000 licencees, regular spot checks and the immediate confiscation of equipment if trappers are found breaching the rules.
Yesterday, the Government published a framework regulation specifically for trapping for the first time, under which a new set of rules will be published every year.
Sources close to the Commission yesterday told The Times that discussions over the regulations announced yesterday had been going on for a number of weeks.
They said it was still too early to state whether the Commission agreed with the latest concessions.
Although still rigid, they constitute an improvement for the trapping community and a setback for Birdlife Malta, which considers the practice unlawful and wants it banned.
The hunting and trapping lobby has mounted pressure on the authorities over the past few years to be granted a full-scale autumn hunting and trapping season.
In the build-up to this season, and with an election looming, the FKNK asked the Government to implement four separate derogations from EU rules.
Trapping is not permitted under the EU’s Birds Directive but member states can use derogations to allow the practice to take place in a limited manner.
However, the derogations would have to be justified by the Government within strict parameters. If in breach, the EU executive may take a member state to court.
In fact, trapping has already landed Malta in hot water.
Last year, Brussels accused the island of breaching EU rules during previous seasons through the incorrect application of derogations and may take the issue all the way to the European court.