Police Commissioner John Rizzo said today that it was 'presumptuous. of BirdLife president Joseph Mangion to allege that the flouting of Malta's bird protection and hunting laws was taking place without retribution.
"The Police are sparing no effort with a view to eradicating, controlling and curbing illegal hunting and illegal trapping. In so doing, it has increased ALE resources to combat environmental crime besides protection duty being given to CABS whilst patrolling for illegal hunting and trapping. As if these are not enough, one also has to mention the assistance being given in this issue by district officers. Rest assured that the Police are doing their utmost to uphold and enforce the law."
Mr Rizzo was reacting to a letter sent by Mr Mangion to Dr Mario De Marco, parliamentary secretary for tourism, and reported in the press.
In his reply, the Commissioner said Mr Mangion's letter included unfounded statements claiming, amongst other things, that the police did not give you any feedback about the 200 dead protected birds found at Mizieb in 2009; that the police were off duty when BirdLife members requested assistance and that members of Birdlife (Malta) and CABS activists were assaulted in the presence of police officers.
Mr Rizzo said it was also incorrect to state that the police did not call on site when so requested by CABS or Birdlife (Malta) activists.
"On receipt of the report, members of the Administrative Law Enforcement Section called on site at about 11.45 a.m. and elevated the evidence previously collected by your members. Following another incident, which occurred about 20 minutes later district officers called on site to render assistance and investigate the case."
He said it was also incorrect to allege that officers from the ALE were off duty.
As for the claims of illegal structures at Mizieb, Mr Rizzo said this was not the responsibility of the police as they were not competent by law to take action on such matters. Other departments were responsible for this.
"Members of the ALE as well as district officers categorically deny any claims that any of your volunteers were assaulted in their presence. This is amply confirmed by the private security guards, under contract by your organisation, accompanying your volunteers during the incident. This was also confirmed by Mr. Hirschfeld, Dr. Raine, and Mr. David Conlin who declared so when approached by the district and ALE officers," Mr Rizzo said.
"It is presumptuous on your part to allege that the flouting of Malta's bird protection and hunting laws are without retribution. The Police are sparing no effort with a view to eradicating, controlling and curbing illegal hunting and illegal trapping. In so doing, it has increased ALE resources to combat environmental crime besides protection duty being given to CABS whilst patrolling for illegal hunting and trapping. As if these are not enough, one also has to mention the assistance being given in this issue by district officers. Rest assured that the Police are doing their utmost to uphold and enforce the law."
See also:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100921/local/investigation-into-last-years-mizieb-find-not-yet-held-birdlife