Labour MP Adrian Vassallo has been fined €500 after he was found guilty of having illegal possession of birds, Birdlife Malta said. He has been allowed to keep the birds.

The birds were being kept in an aviary on the roof-top of his Ta’ Xbiex residence.

Magistrate Anthony Vella dismissed charges against Dr Vassallo of possession and use of cage traps.

In a statement, Birdlife lamented the court decision, saying the result showed that the judiciary and enforcement authorities were reluctant to prosecute wildlife crimes to the full extent of the law.

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