Protected Western Marsh Harrier Shot Down In Għar Lapsi

Oct 3 2023

Birdlife Malta took to social media to share the latest victim of illegal hunting taking place in Malta as the autumn hunting season continues.

The juvenile Marsh Harrier (Bagħħdan Aħmar) was found injured at Għar Lapsi on Sunday by a member of the public who contacted the NGO.

‘Following its recovery, the raptor was taken to the Malta Government vet who yesterday confirmed it had been illegally shot’.

This comes on the same day of the retrieval of the adult Greater Flamingo from offshore Gozo in Ta’ Ċenċ.

‘Even this bird was confirmed as suffering from a gunshot wound following an examination by the vets. Luckily both birds were recommended for rehab.’

#MaltaDaily

Sculpture In Valletta Made Out Of Mafia Bombing Site

Oct 3 2023

Were you to enter Valletta today until the 16th of this month, a sculpture outside Malta’s parliament would greet you in commemoration of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s 6 year anniversary since her assassination.

The sculpture, by artist Gerald Moroder, is called ‘Il Risorto da Combattimento’, and is made from pieces of stones, asphalt and dirt from Capaci.

This is the site of a bombing which killed Magistrate Giovanni Falcone, his wife and police escort 31 years ago. The statue was unveiled by Repubblika and Occupy Justice, along with Manuel Delia.

Written on the statue’s base is a commemoration for Daphne, which reads: ‘she exposed corruption and worked for the good of her country. She was killed because of her work.’

#MaltaDaily

Special Sick Leave For Childbirth Loss Proposed

Oct 3 2023

Ahead of the upcoming Budget 2023-2024, the General Worker’s Union has put forth a number of proposals for the government’s consideration.

Among them, the union has suggested a special sick leave for women who endure loss at childbirth or during pregnancy.

‘This compassionate leave offers support in a time of difficulty and loss by recognising the emotional and physical effect of a pregnancy on a prospective mother.’

In a similar vein, the GWU is also calling for more childcare facilities and health clinics in industrial zones. Among the other proposals are flexible work arrangements; equal pay for equal work and capping of the number of contracted workers on the workplace; a mental health first aider on the workplace; containing the compensation scheme for asbestos-relates illnesses and deaths; and much more.

What do you make of such proposals?

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Two More Cute Hedgehogs Rescued In Gozo

Oct 3 2023

Despite having just released Lynn and Francesco, Nature Trust’s Gozo Section have rescued another two hedgehogs and had them placed into rehabilitation.

The two latest additions, Halo and Massimo, have joined Dolly, Natalia and Andrea for further care.

‘Halo was found this week in the middle of the main road leading from Ghajnsielem to Qala. He is a male hoglet, and although he seemed ok at first glance, a closer look revealed a patch of missing spines. He is also too young to be on his own and had likely gotten separated from his mother.’

‘Massimo was found last week near the Lunzjata Valley in Kercem. He is a very large adult male, and he also has bald patches with missing spines.’

Unfortunately, both had intestinal infections, inhibiting their abilities to eat. They are now eating well and will be treated against the cause of the bald patches before release.

‘Hedgehogs rely on their spines as their main form of defense against attacks and predators. Bald patches of missing spines means that a hedgehog is very vulnerable in the wild. There can be a number of causes, and they will need treatment before their spines grow back.’

#MaltaDaily