Police arrest man filmed shooting turtle dove

Following daily illegal hunting incidents in the Santa Katerina area in Rabat (Malta) over the past few days, BirdLife Malta volunteers this morning managed to film a man with a gun shooting and killing a turtle dove.

The man, who was using another live bird as a decoy, was later filmed picking up the bird.

Officials from the Administrative Law Enforcement (ALE) unit of the Malta Police were called in and, after having been shown the footage, they managed to apprehend the culprit.

The police in turn called Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU) officials to identify the turtle dove. The live decoy was released while the man will be soon facing charges on various counts of illegal hunting.

The live decoy used by the man is seen in this photo which even catches the cartridge just above the hunter's head as he fired the shot

Turtle doves are protected at this time of year, while the hunting season is closed. Members of the public are encouraged to call 119 and BirdLife Malta whenever shots are heard.