A Gozitan bird hunter was this morning fined €8,000 and had his licence permanently revoked after he was found guilty of hunting protected birds.

Nathaniel Agius of Sannat was also found guilty of being in possession of live and dead protected birds, some of which were embalmed in breach of regulations.

The protected birds were found at his home in February, after the police received an anonymous report.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud said that this case should serve as a lesson to all.

"The court wants to send a clear message. Everyone has the right to enjoy the beauty of nature... The majority do not appreciate stuffed birds and while the court has no objection that hunters enjoy their rights, criminal behaviour is not going to be tolerated."

He said that the majority of hunters practiced their hobby within the confines of the law, however, there some defied the law to the detriment of others.

"The hunting of protected birds should be condemned," he said adding that the court did not exclude the possibility that people were poaching birds for commercial purposes.

"This court is convinced there are those who think they can break the law because there is a good chance they won’t get caught and if caught they would either not be found guilty or will face a minor penalty," he said.