Shot Protected Eurasian Hobby Falls In Local School Grounds

Students returning to St Edward’s College for the start of the new scholastic year found an injured protected Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) on the school grounds, according to BirdLife Malta.

The organisation said it was called to collect the bird, which was later confirmed by a Government veterinarian to have suffered shotgun injuries.

BirdLife Malta said the incident highlights the need for a no-hunting buffer zone around schools. The organisation has previously called for a 200-metre buffer, but said the proposal was rejected by the ORNIS Committee, with no support from Government-appointed members and the Environment and Resources Authority.

BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana said children should be able to attend school without hearing gunshots or finding protected birds that have been shot on school grounds.

“Schools should be safe spaces for children and wildlife alike,” Sultana said.

BirdLife Malta reiterated its call for a 200-metre no-hunting buffer around schools, arguing that students should be able to learn without being exposed to the risks and disturbance associated with hunting.

The organisation also called for stronger enforcement of laws protecting wild birds and said penalties for breaches should not be weakened.

BirdLife Malta claimed the incident comes as Prime Minister Robert Abela is seeking to reduce penalties for people who break laws protecting wild birds. It called on the Government instead to strengthen enforcement and ensure illegal killing of protected birds carries meaningful consequences.

#MaltaDaily