Illegally Shot Collared Dove Found In City Centre Fields

The bird, discovered in fields within a busy built-up area, was found with pellet-sized injuries. The Malta Ranger Unit retrieved the animal and transported it to a government veterinarian, who confirmed that the wounds had been caused by gunshot, with pellets still lodged inside its body.

Hunting in such areas is strictly prohibited under Maltese law (S.L. 549.42) due to their proximity to roads and residential zones.

The incident comes just days before the opening of the autumn hunting season on 1 September. In the run-up to the season, the Malta Ranger Unit has urged the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity, particularly shooting in areas where rabbit hunting is implausible, such as along coastlines or near large ponds, as well as the illegal use of electronic bird callers.

The Malta Ranger Unit added, “Send us a Google pin location, a brief description of what’s happening and photo or video if possible to WhatsApp 7937 8118. Together we can make sure that the protected species of migratory birds will continue their journey.”

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