BirdLife Malta has said that illegal hunting and trapping was uncovered in the limits of Marsascala.

"On Sunday morning, Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) police officers were called to investigate an incident where a hunter was seen shooting down and collecting a protected Eurasian Collared-dove at the limits of Marsascala by one of BirdLife Malta's Spring Watch teams. The hunter was caught red-handed and charges will be pressed accordingly, meaning also that the hunter will have his licence for the rest of the season revoked," the NGO saod.

"As police scoured the area for further casualties, a number of killed Tree Pipits were also found. Soon after, officers also stumbled upon a cage trap which had a total of 21 European Turtle-doves and a Eurasian Collared-dove trapped inside. These birds were confiscated and have been passed on to BirdLife Malta for rehabilitation."

These birds would have been destined to be used as live decoys or forced into attempts of captive-breeding, the Ngo said. "The birds will now be tended to and healthy birds can be released after the end of the hunting season on this Vulnerable species."