Earlier this week the government announced several changes to the hunting and trapping regulations, aimed at bringing Maltese legislation more in line with European Union rules. Now that Malta is an EU member, we must be fully compliant with its regulations, including those on hunting and trapping.
The proposals have been welcomed by BirdLife Malta, although it said that there are other issues that need to be addressed. It also pledged to continue its efforts to bring about the full transposition and implementation of the Birds Directive in Malta. Hunters’ associations still have to give their views on the matter, but it will be no surprise if they express their disappointment and disagreement.
The government is proposing that the hunting season at sea is reduced by one month – ending on 31 January rather than on 28 February; that the trapping
season for songbirds is reduced by two-and-a-half months – again, ending on 31 January instead of 10 April; and that a speed limit of 18 kilometres per hour is established for vessels used for hunting at sea.
In a press conference, Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino also explained that Malta had retained the right to apply Article 9 of the European Convention on Hunting and Trapping of quails and turtle-doves during the spring season. This article makes provisions for the possibility of a derogation on certain conditions stipulated in the directive. Through its application, the hunting of these species may still take place in Malta during spring.
The government has given four weeks – starting last Tuesday – for consultation about these changes, following which a decision will be taken by the Cabinet and implemented immediately.
Such cuts are aimed to change the scenario of hunting and trapping in Malta, which has very often been a matter of political controversy. No doubt, this has come about following pressure from the European Union in this regard. Mr Pullicino has, in fact, said that during his latest visit to the country, Commissioner Stavros Dimas had stressed the importance of Malta adopting the Birds Directive.
The Commissioner also commented negatively on the rampant illegal hunting that is taking place in Malta and Gozo, expressing his concern about the number of press reports on the subject.
Of course, as in anything else, the majority of hunters do comply with the regulations and it is only the minority that gives hunting and trapping in Malta such a bad name. In fact, from the thousands of licensed hunters in Malta and Gozo, only 380 people were prosecuted for offences related to their hobby in 2004.
Environmentalists will say that there are many others who break the law but are not caught and that more enforcement is needed to control the situation better. But this argument is valid for other matters too – for example, not all those who park their car illegally are booked. Still, it must be said that a greater effort must be made to curb illegal hunting and trapping.
The police, with their limited resources, are doing a great job in this regard. But it is also pertinent to point out that hunters and trappers should discipline themselves more and abide by the regulations. It is impractical and impossible to have policemen or wardens stationed in every area used for hunting and trapping.
As in anything else, the law should be followed – even when no-one is looking.
Minister Pullicino’s comment on this matter is very apt. He said that all hunters and trappers should pull the same rope and that those who break the rules would only be shooting their colleagues in the foot.