Trapping of wild birds should not be allowed – Animal Rights Coalition

The Animal Rights Coalition voiced its concern on recent reports regarding parliamentary secretary for animal rights Roderick Galdes' comments on applying a derogation to allow the trapping of wild birds in the Autumn.

"We sincerely hope that Hon Roderick Galdes can understand the gravity of the situation," the coalition said.

The coalition, which consists of 23 non-governmental organizations, held a meeting with Galdes where "various long overdue issues" were discussed.

The organisation said that during the meeting it voiced concerns in relation to hunting and trapping, and the possibility of exploring a technical loophole with the aim of applying a derogation to allow the trapping of wild birds in the Autumn.

"We were assured that positive steps were going to be taken to resolve these issues. It was also agreed that the coalition will be working directly with the Animal Rights Ministry to resolve these issues together, and we are looking forward to doing so," the statement said.

Last week, Galdes said that a "technical loophole" was found that would allow the government to present proposals to the European Union to allow bird trapping in autumn and did not exclude the possibility of allowing trapping of finches.

The Animal Rights Coalition said that all animals, including birds, "have the right to live freely as nature intended.  It, therefore, does not seem appropriate that a Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights should be doing his utmost to allow birds to be trapped."

Adults and children should be educated to respect all living creatures, the coalition said, adding that such actions by the Ministry are sending the wrong message.

"As a coalition concerned with Animal Rights, we feel that a Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights should first and foremost consider the animals' well-being; and that applies to all animals, including birds."