Birdlife Malta said today that Parliament Secretary Roderick Galdes’ position was becoming untenable after collaborating in the organisation of an event promoting the killing and stuffing of birds and animals.

"It is deplorable that the person given the remit to safeguard animal rights has gone so far as to promote taxidermy, an act considered despicable throughout the world," Birdlife said.

It said it was disgusting that even animals protected by international law were exhibited including rhinoceros and elephant tusks.

The exhibition was held at Buskett by the Malta Taxidermy Federation in association with the Secretariat for Agriculture, Fisheries amd Animal Welfare, among others.

"This event was morally and ethically wrong and having our country’s government representative for animal rights organise, endorse and participate in this deplorable event is shameful.

"While this event could also be declared as illegal since it was organised in a Nature Reserve which prohibits people to be in possession of birds, it surely goes against the values of love for nature, preservation or conservation.

Mr Galdes speaking at the opening of the exhibition.

Birdlife noted that on the same day that it organised a family event at Foresta 2000 encouraging kids to plant trees and observe the beauty of nature alive, Hon Glades was standing next to those who promote enjoying dead animals.

BirdLife Malta called on the Prime Minister to stand by his words following the referendum, that he will lead a more environmental conscious government.

GOVERNMENT'S REACTION

In a reaction, Mr Galdes's secretariat said the purpose of the exhibition was to inform the public on various aspects such as falconry, hunt dogs and bird hunting as well as handcrafts.

The section on stuffed birds and animals was only a part of the exhibition and all the birds were legal. The displayed rhino and elephant were made of plastic and fibreglass and used for decoration.

The only assistance given by the secretariat for the event was the provision of stands. 

The secretariat said it would not support illegal activities and the recent drastic decrease in hunting showed how the government wanted to protect traditions but not tolerate abuse.