With condemnation by hunting and other organisations, FKNK said it will deploy all its resources to ensure the poachers are caught. The FKNK said it will do everything with its remit to ensure that those found guilty of the crime will be permanently denied a hunting license.
The FKNK warned that it will not be heeled ransom by those who want to jeopardise the status of legitimate hunters. This comes after protected marsh harriers were shot and killed in Delimara, prompting a statement and footage of the incident by BirdLife Malta.
The latter NGO said on Tuesday that poachers were hunting about 30 marsh harriers which were roosting in Delimara. Gunshots were heard at night, with police who convened on site finding that the hunters had fled.
Four injured birds were found and handed over to the government veterinarians, with a fifth one found dead. Birds of prey such as marsh harriers are a protected species and it is illegal to shoot on them.
This follows massive controversy after the spring hunting season opened on Easter Sunday, despite a legal complaint by BirdLife Malta being filed. A court ruled the BirdLife request out, giving the hunters the go ahead to hunt turtle doves and quails.
The incident also prompted social media backlash after some MPs came out in favour of the move.
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Photo Source: Steve Zammit Lupi FB