The police has dismissed a criminal complaint filed by BirdLife Malta, saying no steps need to be taken.

On Wednesday Birdlife Malta filed a criminal complaint stating that the hunting licences for the spring hunting season for quail were illegally issued by the Gozo Ministry, who currently holds responsibility for the Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU).

The NGO asked that all these licences be withdrawn and requested the police to take immediate action to ensure that all those who are out hunting with an invalid licence are taken to Court.

In a brief statement today, the police said that it had taken note of the criminal complaint filed and, after considering all circumstances, it reached the conclusion that there are no grounds on which to take ulterior steps.

BirdLife Malta later issued a statement of its own. BirdLife said that “in his response (to the request) the Acting Police Commissioner, Carmelo Magri, explains how it is not his responsibility to establish whether the hunting licences have been issued by the Gozo Ministry beyond its power or authority (ultra vires). He continues by saying that if he had to do so, this would be over and above his powers, since the duty of the police is to enforce laws enacted by the competent authorities.”

“Whilst stopping short of saying that BirdLife Malta should take this issue to Court, the Acting Police Commissioner concludes by suggesting that the state has ad hoc institutions which are legally empowered to verify the validity of laws. In view of this reply we are now seeking advice on the best way forward to address the issue at the Law Courts. BirdLife Malta reiterates its position that no spinning of facts or intimidation will stop it from doing what is within its legal rights as part of civil society and that its only interest is the protection of the natural environment for the benefit of the common good.”