The police have booked 67 cases involving illegal hunting and trapping since January 1, 2007, Assistant Police Commissioner Joe Brincat said on Friday during a media address while briefing on police work to curb hunting abuse.
Of the 67 cases, 41 were detected in the first three months, during the closed season. These cases will be taken to court, Mr Brincat said.
In turn, Mr Brincat said that last month, the police detected 28 cases of illegal trapping during the closed season apart from other cases related to the possession of open compartment shotguns. There were 11 such cases in Gozo.
Since the open season started on the 10th April, the police have taken action in 26 cases. These cases were mostly related to the shooting of protected birds. Other infringements included the use of high calibre lead and the use of open compartment shotguns that take more cartridges than the amount allowed by the regulations.
Over 230 inspections were carried out against illegal hunting and trapping so far this year and the offenders will all be charged, Mr Brincat added. It appears that none of the offences was committed in bird sanctuaries.
Mr Brincat also noted an encouraging public response on freephone crime stopper 119. This service was launched some weeks ago by Police Commissioner John Rizzo. However, he appealed for the further need for the public to approach more the police.
