BirdLife Malta criticises return of hunters’ confiscated items

Since the opening of the hunting season last Wednesday, police officers have confiscated around 25 shotguns, several cartridges, armbands, special licences and carnet de chasse booklets.

BirdLife said the hunters were caught not complying with this year’s spring hunting legislation by not carrying the necessary documents with them while hunting.

But according to the FKNK, under normal circumstances, offences such as the hunter’s omission to carry his special licence whilst hunting are usually regarded as minor.

“The decision to return the guns was taken after the FKNK lobbied Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi,” the NGO said. “This throws into question government's commitment to strictly enforce this year's spring hunting season.”

“This year's season is being opened by derogation on the Birds Directive, and the government is obliged to ensure strict conditions of enforcement as a basic requirement of the derogation.”

BirdLife added that there is no restriction on the number of licenses issues for this year’s three week season, open between the 13^th and 130^th April, “as demanded by the FKNK last year”.

BLM Campaigns Coordinator Geoffrey Saliba said: “The Prime Minister has already given in to several FKNK demands. He has now caved in to yet more FKNK demands and further relaxed enforcement of this year's spring hunting season.”

“This latest decision by government not only undermines police efforts at enforcement, but also jeopardises the 'strict supervision' test required as part of the spring hunting derogation,” Saliba claimed.