The article, published on Tuesday claimed that the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said some hunters fire at any bird that flies past, not just the two species the government permits. While the government said it deplores any illegal shooting both in Malta and in any other country, it highlighted that during this spring hunting season only nine cases of illegal shooting were reported to authorities to date.  

Tuesday’s article also claimed that the government believes spring hunting season can be justified under the European Union (EU) Birds Directive, because the migratory patterns of the quail and turtle dove make it impractical to hunt them in the autumn. It was further added that the European Commission rejects this argument and is reportedly pushing ahead with infringement proceedings at full speed.  

In this light the government said it is exercising its right as a EU Member State to apply the derogation granted under the Wild Birds Directive. "This is being made because Malta firmly believes that the migratory patterns of both turtledove and quail leave no alternative solution for this season," continued the statement.  

In the statement the ministry further clarified that the European Commission has opened an infringement case against Malta because it believes that Malta is not justified in the application of this derogation. “Malta does not agree with this interpretation and will support its arguments in favour of spring hunting throughout the infringement procedures,” continued the Ministry.  

The Ministry also noted that the harsh penalties introduced by the government in relation to illegal hunting, among the toughest in the EU, have served as a very strong deterrent. “Throughout this season, birdwatchers and enforcement officers have repeatedly reported improved compliance compared to preceding seasons," concluded the Ministry.