The Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) has called on authorities and the police to act on a case where a dog walker was allegedly punched to the ground by a bird trapper for recording illegal trapping.
The MRU published the video on its Facebook page on Tuesday, along with a statement saying that the trapper shown in the video was caught and apprehended by Rangers and the police for illegal trapping last December.
The trapper is now facing Court proceedings where he risks losing his licence, and a hefty fine if found guilty, the statement said.
The MRU said that a week ago a nearby resident of the trap site was out walking his dog when the alleged illegal trapper, who is the accused of the MRU case, exited his vehicle when spotting him.
The accused then aggressively walked up to the dog walker and allegedly punched him to the ground, the statement said. This was shown in the video the MRU published.
When going back to his vehicle with the victim back on his feet, the alleged aggressor was heard making it a point that the victim should give the police his name and registration plate, the MRU said, adding that the victim was also shamed for filming, but this was done for safety reasons and to safeguard any evidence of the alleged crime committed.
The MRU said that the victim had to seek immediate medical attention and a CT-scan showed that the victim had suffered grievous injuries to his face, with comminuted fractures to his facial bones.
The statement said that the victim may need surgery to ensure proper healing, due to bone fractures.
The MRU said it was releasing the statement approved by the victim and his family to showcase the impunity environmental criminals and poachers specifically enjoy.
"We also wish to highlight the importance, and bravery, of victims of similar crimes to not remain silent. Speaking up is the only way for this situation to change for the better," the MRU said.
"The environmental criminals have enjoyed impunity for decades due to the lack of willingness from decision-makers to tackle such crimes, leaving our environment to degrade and the crimes increasing," the MRU said.
"They have not yet dared to take a strong stand against poaching, seemingly scared that the hunters would feel targeted, and votes would be lost. This shouldn't be the case, because although all poachers are hunters, not all hunters are poachers," the MRU said.
Th MRU said that standing up against all types of illegalities is not a politician's choice, but their duty as public servants.
"We urge the authorities and the police to act on this case swiftly, due to the serious crime committed," the MRU said.
It wished the victim a speedy recovery and said it will keep the public posted with regards to the accused's court case - both for the illegal trapping and the injuries caused in the alleged unprovoked attack as documented and presented through video evidence.