Draconian measures are called for to control, and even stop, the slaughter of protected birds. A number of persons boast of exotic collections of such birds, stuffed and kept behind glass. It must be made completely unprofitable to house such collections.

Some years ago there was an amnesty and all stuffed birds had to be registered and provided with a seal. Thus, any bird that does not meet such criteria must be considered to be illicit.

The government should instruct all those that hold these types of illegal birds to declare them and donate them to the Natural History Museum and pay a fine. One might argue that with a fine none will venture to come out in the open. However, after a reasonable time is given to come in line, harsh measures should be taken against anyone found in possession of any illegal bird. These should include the seizure of one’scollection, the impounding of guns and also a blacklising from all future hunting activities.

In future, any person caught killing, handling or possessing any illegal bird must face an obligatory prison sentence of at least five years together with confiscation of guns and cars and a harsh fine. The punishment should be clearly stipulated by law so that no magistrate would be able to circumvent it and impose a leaner sentence.

To uncover the law breakers, the government could also offer a reward to whoever furnishes information about those possessing such birds.

Half-baked measures will not solve and stop this vile practice. Some of these birds are worth thousands of euros. Anybody wanting to see a stuffed bird out of its natural habitat can do so by visiting the Natural History Museum where the exhibits will be on show for everybody and not just one or two to boast of their vile acts.

Both the hunter’s federation (FKNK) and St Hubert Hunters should support and insist on such measures, that is, if they are truly against illegal hunting.