A number of hunting and trapping cases appeared before the Gozitan courts, and two have been decided.

62-year-old Emmanuel Camilleri from Ghajnsielem was fined €3,000 and had his hunting licence suspended for two years after he admitted to trapping protected birds on the limits of Kercem on March 29 this year.

He admitted to using non-regulation traps while also trapping without the proper licence.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud agreed that the fine be paid in monthly installments of €100, and if these payments are not made, then an effective prison sentence will be handed down.

In a separate case, 28-year-old Sunny Camilleri from Zebbug, Gozo was ordered to pay €1,000 and ordered the hunting firearm confiscated and his hunting license suspended for two years after he admitted to hunting in the closed season on 16 April, at the limits of Kercem.

Cassar was brought before the courts by the police, along with 22-year-old Alexander Debrincat from Gharb and 29-year-old Derek Francis Xuereb from Zebbug, Gozo, however these two were liberated due to a lack of evidence.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud praised Birdlife Malta and the FKNK for their commitment for hunting to be practiced within the limits of the law, and that no illegalities occur.