“This Situation Is Truly Unacceptable” Says Falconer After 5th Peregrine Is Shot

Falconer Lawrence Formosa described Saturday as “another black day for our family and for falconry in Malta” after witnessing his peregrine tiercel, Vallette, being shot in front of him and four other people during a demonstration.

“This is the fifth bird of prey in our family to suffer such a fate,” Formosa said. “Nearly all falconers have given up because of these repeated incidents. The situation has become unbearable.”

Fortunately, Vallette survived and, with recovery, is expected to fly again. Formosa praised the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) police for their swift response and efforts to apprehend the individual responsible.

The incident occurred at Għar Lapsi on Saturday morning. Vallette had just taken off from Formosa’s hand and was resting nearby when three consecutive shots rang out, shocking Formosa and two American tourists who were watching the demonstration. One of the tourists described the experience of seeing the falcons up close and in flight as “the best thing she ever did in her life.”

Kaċċaturi San Ubertu (KSU) stated, “This is not hunting. We unreservedly condemn this despicable act, which is entirely unrelated to hunting and has caused harm to everyone, not least to hunters and trappers.”

#MaltaDaily