The finch trapping season will reopen in autumn following a recommendation by the Ornis Committee, the consultative body on hunting regulations.

With five votes in favour, one against and one abstention, the committee agreed to permit the limited live-capture of seven species of finches.

Despite being supported by the government, trapping is banned in the EU. Malta has received two warnings from the European Commission, and may also be taken to the European Court of Justice.

Malta was granted a five-year grace period in which to phase out finch trapping after it joined the EU in 2004.

Aerial survey flights conducted by the Committee Against Bird Slaughter in March revealed what appears to be a massive increase in illegal finch trapping in spring.

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