The turtle dove hunting season has been closed with immediate effect after the overall seasonal bag limit was reached, as reports emerge of people being injured by hunting pellets in different parts of Malta.
The decision to close the season was announced by the government after the overall seasonal bag limit for turtle dove was reached. The closure was made by virtue of the powers conferred by regulations 4(3) and 4(4) of the Conservation of Wild Birds (Declaration of the Autumn Hunting Season for Turtle Dove) Regulations, 2021.
The announcement came against the backdrop of growing concern over hunting-related incidents, including reports of passers-by being struck by pellets while walking in areas where hunting is taking place.
One such incident was reported on Monday morning in the Selmun area, where a dogsitter taking two dogs for an early morning walk was allegedly hit three times by pellets fired by hunters.
According to a report circulated on social media, the woman was walking in the il-Qortin garigue above Triq l-Imgiebah, opposite the residential area, when she was hit in the arm and back.
The woman and the two dogs were said to have been left in shock by the incident. A police report was filed, while a report was also made to the Malta Rangers Unit.
The incident is not understood to be an isolated report. A farmer in Żurrieq has also reportedly been struck by hunting pellets, adding to concerns about the risks faced by people working or walking in rural areas during the season.
The closure of the turtle dove season means that hunters can no longer legally hunt this particular species after the permitted seasonal quota was reached. It does not, however, bring the wider autumn hunting season to an end, and other permitted hunting activity remains subject to the applicable regulations and restrictions.
The Malta Rangers Unit has encouraged members of the public to report incidents and has provided a WhatsApp contact number, while the Environmental Police Unit can be contacted on 119.
Photo: Aron Tanti/File