Police have been given instructions to temporarily desist from taking legal action against hunters. Although Police are to file a report against persons caught trapping quails, golden plovers, turtle doves and thrushes, these persons will not be arraigned in court on instruction so an internal memorandum signed by the Administrative Law Enforcement inspector.
Police also have instructions not to press charges against persons hunting at sea with engines capable of developing speeds higher than 18 km/hour are not being pressed either. According to The Times police have further been instructions not to take immediate action against those using trapping nets exceeding the measurements published in Legal Notice 79 of 2006. No infringement proceedings will be taken against those using shotguns with chambers capable of taking more than two cartridges either.
Birdlife Malta has expressed its outrage at the instructions, insisting that these go against the EU directive restricting hunting and trapping. The instructions were issued last Saturday, coinciding with a protest staged outside of the Prime Minister's office at Castille Place, Valletta by hunters angered at "restrictions" imposed on them by the government.
Speaking to The Times Police Commissioner John Rizzo said hunters who are being booked for contravening sections of the hunting law should not put their minds at rest that they will not be charged in court. He added that it would be better not to issue charges immediately in case the law is changed and the charges would have to be withdrawn. The Commissioner insisted that the memo, it does not tell the police not to take action, but to file a report and press charges at a later date.
However, BirdLife President Joseph Mangion said the government simply could not play around the Birds Directive as it pleased. He reiterated that wrong messages are being sent with the postponement of Malta adopting the directive. The Bird Life President also accused the government of ignoring the silent majority by going into electoral mode and giving in to the hunters' pressure.
See also:
Hunters take part in spontaneous protest
By MaltaMedia News
Sep 30, 2006, 18:27 CET
© Copyright 2006 - MaltaMedia Online Network
Top of Page
| 
