Five hunters this morning pleaded not guilty to shooting protected species and breaching the conditions of their hunting licence.

Bertrand Galea, 29, of Ghaxaq;, Carmel Spiteri, 46, of Qrendi; Christopher Bonello, 25, of Zabbar; Christian Vella, 24, of Swieqi; and Lawrence Spiteri, 50, of Zejtun, allegedly hunted falcons, honey buzzards, a lesser kestrel, spotted crake and a common moorhen, among others

Mr Galea was also charged with the illegal possession of the protected birds and the possession of unregistered stuffed birds.

The hunters were arraigned under arrest.

Police Inspector Ramon Mercieca said this was to send a message to the hunting community that such crimes were unacceptable.

He stressed that most hunters were cooperating with the rules this hunting season. But while cases of infringement were rare, they put other hunters in a bad light.

On agreement between the defence and the prosecution, the men were granted bail against no personal guarantee or deposit.

They were ordered to follow the normal bail conditions - they cannot leave the island without permission, interfere with the prosecution's evidence and must turn up for future court sittings.

The hunters were represented by Franco Debono, Chris Cardona, Michael Grech and Mark Busuttil.