The St Hubert's Hunting Association this evening condemned the incidents of shooting at a large flock of stocks which was over Malta yesterday and today and said any convicted persons should suffer the maximum penalties contemplated by law.

It said the reported shooting of the White Storks contrasted drastically with the overall exemplary observance of hunting regulations throughout the spring hunting derogation period when some of the largest ever reported migrations of buzzards and harriers occurred without incident.

"The presence of law abiding hunters during the open hunting season has undoubtedly proven its worth at preventing criminals from operating unhindered," the association said.

The association congratulated the police for their prompt action when the flock of storks appeared and said it  unreservedly condemned the acts of vandalism.

It hoped that the persons apprehended with irrefutable proof of their actions were reprimanded with no less than the maximum penalties contemplated by law.

"Criminal acts similar to these are putting all of Malta’s hunters in a bad light and the responsibility of eradicating such abuse lies entirely upon proper castigation," the association said.

"All law abiding hunters expect their privileges to hunt to be safeguarded by those responsible to take all measures necessary to deter any such crime. We call upon the authorities to ensure that offenders of serious wildlife crimes are not let off lightly but serve to set the example for the few remaining irresponsible individuals that should have never been issued with a hunting license."

Three men are reported to have been arrested for shooting at the birds. At least seven dead storks have been found.