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From The Malta Independent October 22, 2001
LOCAL NEWS
BirdLife Malta has written to the Prime Minister drawing his attention to the prevailing situation regarding
the illegal massacre of protected birds in the Maltese Islands
They wrote:
Surely, you are now aware of the problems facing the enforcement of the bird protection laws in Malta
and Gozo which are characterised by:
- The persistent continuation of illegal bird hunting and trapping,
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An ALE unit which is grossly limited in personnel and equipment and,
- Limited effective law enforcement in Malta
coupled with a complete lack of enforcement in Gozo.
BirdLife Malta members have recently witnessed a deterioration
in law enforcement. Hundreds of protected birds have been shot all over Malta and Gozo, and BirdLife Malta members have experienced
threats and abusive behaviour by individuals who believe that they stand above the law.
You must appreciate that
we are talking of a situation where a sizeable number of the 15,000 licensed hunters and trappers flout the law. We cannot
see an improvement in the situation unless a political decision is taken to tackle decisively this problem.
BirdLife
Malta called for the setting up of a special police force entirely dedicated to environmental law enforcement, which would
have to address their efforts solely to bird protection at particular times of the year.
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