A second protected bird was shot yesterday afternoon, less than a week after the spring hunting season began.
Volunteers from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter came across a dead Swift close to Xrobb l-Ghagin Nature Park in Delimara. An X-ray confirmed that the bird had been killed by a shotgun pellet.
The bird was passed on to the Administrative Law Enforcement Unit – the police unit responsible for the enforcement of hunting and trapping activities.
An X-ray confirmed the bird had been hit by a shotgun pellet. Photo:CABSIt is the second known incident of illegal hunting since the spring season opened on Saturday, after a protected marsh harrier was shot on Monday in Bidnija.
That bird was still alive when it was found by law enforcement officials, who took it to the government vet. No vet had yet seen the bird more than 24 hours after it was delivered and its chances of survival are now slim.
Illegal hunting of protected birds is a clear sign for the prime minister to close the hunting season, BirdLife Malta said today.
"The Maltese government chose to open the hunting season in spring even though the Turtle Dove has been declared as a vulnerable species and although it is known that there is a strong presence of individuals who kill protected birds.
"Despite reports and scientific arguments that show that this bird is in danger due to an extraordinary decline, the Ornis Committee has chosen to ignore all this and suggest another spring hunting season. Malta remains the only country in the European Union that allows the killing of turtle doves during spring" BirdLife said.
It said that year after another the spring hunting season was also abused and a number of protected birds were shot and killed.
Last year Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat closed the hunting season following the killing of a protected bird.
"This year protected birds have already been targeted and shot at. Thus the Prime Minister should be consistent and do the same," the society said.