Maltese hunters arrested for killing birds in UK
15/12/2011 11:30:52
These Honey Buzzards, hunted in Malta, are displayed in the manner typical of Maltese hunting trophies. The popularity of these collections is driving Maltese hunters abroad to collect further species. Poor enforcement and low penalties is unlikely to put
Maltese poachers caught at customs with protected birds from the UK
December 2011. BirdLife Malta has revealed that five protected birds were confiscated at Maltese customs in the possession of three individuals who arrived on a flight from Scotland on 28th November. Two Common Buzzards, two Oystercatchers and a Shelduck were found hidden inside the carcasses of legal game species. All three of these species are protected under UK, Maltese and EU law. The three men will appear in court in early 2012.
Maltese hunters travelling abroad - Inadequate penalties
Hunting trips abroad are popular with Maltese hunters. There have been other cases of smuggling of protected birds into Malta in the past. One of the biggest cases was a collection found in the possession of three individuals in 2001, returning from a trip to Egypt with 104 bodies of protected species. This haul included 5 White Pelicans, 11 Spoonbills, 12 White Stork, 9 Glossy Ibis, 20 Flamingo, 8 Egyptian Vultures, 1 Steppe Eagle, 5 Black Kites, 5 Osprey and 2 Lanner Falcons. At the time, the collection was estimated to be worth €13,780.
In this case and many others, the penalties given at Maltese courts often do not reflect the seriousness of these wildlife crimes. These individuals were charged a mere €1000 each. In investigating this recent case, BirdLife has also learnt of two individuals who appeared in court this October, also returning from the UK, one in possession of a Cormorant and the other a Green Woodpecker. These individuals received only a €240 fine each.
BirdLife Malta Conservation Officer Nicholas Barbara said: "Maltese poachers have tarnished the reputation of Malta with their annual slaughter of migratory birds for many years. They are now travelling to other countries to shoot down protected species and then attempting to smuggle them to Malta, probably to display in their collections."
"Our British partners the RSPB and other conservationists in Europe are eager to see the outcome of this latest court case. We hope that the Courts will apply hefty fines that can act as a deterrent to avoid similar crimes in future" concluded Barbara.
For more information on BirdLife Malta, please visit www.birdlifemalta.org
Read the comments about this article and leave your own comment
so nicholas barbara reckons these latest thugs tarnish the image of malta ? where has he been for the past 20 years ? maltas image has been tarnished for a long, long time. time to shape up.
Posted by: dee donworth | 17 Dec 2011 15:56:34
I also have stopped going to Malta and Cyprus because of the way they are with birds when visiting Malta i was disgusted with the way they are treated at the market when visiting the market my daughter and I had to come away all sorts of animals were cramed in cages.So hot, with no water dogs , cats, birds. chickens and also the maltese people put lovely birds in cages outside their houses,the cages are so small it is really cruel.Also you never see birds flying around in Malta.
We were also disgusted at the treatment of the horses that are used for carrying the public around no water, covered in flys,so young and their legs had splints which is caused by to much pressure on their hooves,stood around all day and night in temp of 80 to 100.
We showed our picture of our horses and how they should look and would not go on these carraiges.
They are in the Europe and the penalties should be more severe.
We will never go there again.
Posted by: Sylvia Rankin | 17 Dec 2011 12:35:21
I have refused to go to either Malta or Cyprus for many years because of their dreadful slaughter of birds. If more people would do the same, maybe it would start to affect their tourist income and they might then take some notice. Certainly something needs to be done about the ludicrous sentences which are handed down.
Posted by: Andrea Polden | 16 Dec 2011 17:18:46
What a cheek - not only satisfied with killing their own, but now taking ours. I won't be going on holiday to Malta!
Posted by: Reg Hesketh | 16 Dec 2011 15:11:27