DEMAND THAT MALTA RESPECTS THE EU LAW AND STOP KILLING OF PROTECTED BIRDS!

On their biannual journeys between Europe and Africa, migratory birds are in peril as they fly over Malta, where they continue to be gunned down. Every year, protected species are killed; every spring and every autumn. Law enforcement is under resourced and unable to control the scale of illegal hunting.

Turtle Doves fall victim in Malta during their spring migration Photo: BirdLife Malta

Unless we protect the migratory ‘flyways’ over the Mediterranean, conservation efforts in Europe and Africa are in vain. This is because 170 bird species regularly migrate over Malta. When they reach Malta, these birds are at their weakest. Many will try to rest on Malta and feed to build up their strength for the last leg of their journey. Instead, many meet their death.

There are nearly 12,000 hunters on the small island.

Whereas spring hunting is not permitted under the EU Birds Directive, Malta has opened the spring hunting season every year since it joined the EU in 2004.

Spring hunting was not allowed in 2008 and 2009 thanks to an interim measure issued by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Last year, the ECJ found that Malta had been in breach of European law for allowing spring hunting (of turtle dove and quail) without meeting the conditions of a derogation since it became a member state. The Maltese government is still considering opening what it calls a “limited spring hunting season” in 2010. The government also continues to undermine the true scale and seriousness of illegal hunting.

Flamingo with gun wound, Photo: Dennis Cachia

TAKE ACTION NOW AND SIGN THE PETITION !

To Dr Lawrence Gonzi,
Prime Minister of Malta Mr Prime Minister,

Do not bring renewed shame on Malta!

We urge you not to harm EU nature conservation laws for a few votes from the hunting minority.

We urge you to comply with EU law through Maltese legislation.

We urge you to ensure all hunting legislation is fully enforced.

We urge you never to allow spring shooting or trapping of Turtle Dove and Quail again.

SIGN

View the press release issued (and more information on BirdLife Malta’s campaign and this petition) on the Birdlife Malta website.