AD’s spokesman for the environment and rural affairs Mark Causon said: “The ALE section of the police force, which is doing a very good job, should be strengthened in order to be able to stop hunting abuses. This abuse is not only harmful to the environment but also to Malta’s reputation in the world.

“Illegal hunting is a negative advertisement for our tourist industry. Illegal hunting is also a source of danger for families enjoying themselves by the sea or in the countryside.”

AD reiterated its call for stricter fines in these cases.

“Fines should be exemplary in order to be an effective deterrent. The Lm100 fine on a hunter who shot at a flamingo some time ago, was far from an effective deterrent,” said Mr Causon.