The Federation for Hunting and Conservation - Malta (FKNK) unreservedly condemned the incidents involving two flamingos, one of which was euthanised, and any other similar infringements of the law.

This behaviour by some individuals who persist in breaking the law has no place in our society, the FKNK said.  These cases are seriously jeopardizing all the efforts and progress that the FKNK pursues in order to safeguard our traditions of hunting and trapping.

The FKNK said it remained committed to safeguard the traditional, legal practices of sustainable hunting and trapping and thus hereby formally requests the authorities to officially call members of the FKNK whenever similar reports are made, in order that they could follow and assist in the police investigation.  

This should include any examination which may be required to be made by the official veterinarian.  After the investigation is concluded, it should be decided what better use, for education, research or for general information, could be made of the bird or carcass.  And in case it is decided that a carcass has to be destroyed by the police, this should be done in the presence of all interested parties, including the FKNK.

Kaccaturi San Ubertu also referred to the illegal shooting of protected species publicized in the media over the past days. KSU unreservedly condemn such atrocities that only serve to tarnish hunting in Malta. KSU note that their efforts to curb crime coupled with those of the enforcement authorities and other responsible hunting bodies have seen to a such incidents mostly ending up as convictions.

KSU referred to the Labour Party pledge to revise certain penalties for hunting crime and are pleased to note that the penalties contemplated for the persecution of protected Birds under Schedule A will remain unaltered. KSU trust the maximum penalties are applied for any default.

KSU asserted that the extent of hunter compliance is evidenced by the small number of illegalities in comparison to 10,000 licensed hunters and reiterate that the exemplary behavior of the absolute majority should not be penalized  due to the actions of a few undesirables not worthy of being called hunters.