Birdlife Malta has urged the prime minister to stop proposed changes to bird protection regulations which, it said, would weaken the legal framework of the Wild Birds Regulations.

CEO Mark Sultana said the changes would allow persons to be in possession of any non-EU birds, irrespective of their protection status in their country of origin. 

Mark Sultana (File photo)

"This will encourage people to go for hunting trips in countries such as Argentina and Ethiopia. Those people who organise these trips as part of their business have a lot to benefit from this amendment, making us suspect that they actually lobbied for it," Mr Sultana said.

This was effectively an amnesty for those who were currently breaking the law by being in possession of birds, such as eagles, caught in territories outside the EU.

He said that another 'dangerous' change was that which distinguished between a person who was clearly seen shooting a protected bird, and another being in possession of a protected bird.

As a result, those in possession of a protected bird would not be subject to the harshest fine any more. 

WILD BIRDS REGULATION UNIT REACTS

In a reaction, the Wild Birds Regulation Unit said the proposed amendments do not involve any reduction in any penalty for illegal possession of any protected bird.  

No distinction has been made between the shooting or attempted shooting of protected birds, and their possession 

The proposed law will not allow people to be in possession of any non-European birds since proof of legal acquisition remains a statutory requirement. "The amendment retains coherent legal provisions to deter illegal acquisition, importation and sale of protected non-European birds."

The amendment also seeks to set up a Conservation of Wild Birds Fund to be used to support activities, projects and schemes concerning conservation of wild birds and other objectives related to the implementation of Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations.