Malta should adhere to calls by the European Commission to put an end to finch trapping as it is risking being taken to the European Court of Justice, Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella said.

Speaking to Times of Malta following a meeting with Parliament’s European and Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr Vella said Malta had already been warned not to continue finch trapping in breach of EU rules.

“I think that Malta should put an end to finch trapping and shouldn’t allow it to continue any longer.”

“We have already started legal procedures against Malta on this issue and Malta should abide by the regulations. If not, the island risks being taken to the European Court of Justice,” Commissioner Vella said.

Last month Malta moved a step closer to being taken to the European Court for continuing to allow trapping in breach of EU rules, which outlaw trapping of finches.

The trapping of finches was reintroduced after Labour’s return to power in 2013. The European Commission immediately embarked upon legal procedures against the Malta arguing there was no scientific justification for Malta to derogate from the BirdsDirective to allow finches to be trapped.

Malta has so far failed to adhere to the Commission’s recommendation.

The Ornis Committee last month again recommended the opening of a fully-fledged trapping season next autumn.

The government still has to decide whether to open the season.

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