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James Debono
While it is legal to import dangerous species of eagles as pets, the authorities have not yet issued any permits for the keeping of eagles for public display.
The Veterinary Affairs and Fisheries Division has not approved any request for the keeping of golden eagles, steppe eagles or bald eagles in Malta although a number of eagles have been legally imported since Malta joined the European Union.
Two weeks ago developer Rene Scicluna told MaltaToday he was rearing golden, steppe and bald eagles in Siggiewi with the purpose of re-introducing the noble tradition of falconry, on an illegally developed countryside park.
He also claimed these animals are living in very bad conditions, as he cannot use the large cages which he has constructed in the proposed park which is subject to an enforcement order. Sources have informed this newspaper that the wild birds are being kept in a small room.
According to acting director Dr Mirielle Vella, the species of eagles mentioned by Scicluna have been legally imported to Malta from EU countries since 2003.
Trade in exotic birds like eagles is harmonised between the Member States and all live animals must travel with a health certificate validated by an official veterinarian.
According to Vella, in order to keep these raptors for commercial purposes one has to submit an application to MEPA which has to seek the approval of the veterinary services.
When eagles are imported as pets from EU countries inspections are carried out by the veterinary division following the notification.
According to a MEPA spokesperson the importation of eagles must conform to EU Regulation 338/97 in order to be legal, which prohibits the trade of these species of eagle and their public display for commercial purposes.
But exemptions from the prohibitions may be granted on the basis of a certificate issued by the competent authority of each member state. In Malta these exemptions can be granted on a case-by-case basis.
EU directives ban the keeping of wild birds which are native to European countries, but do not ban the keeping of birds bred in captivity. Currently a ban on the importation of live captive birds other than poultry for commercial purposes is currently in force due to the avian influenza situation, even if certain derogations still apply.
jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt
Links:
www.maltatoday.com.mt/2006/07/16/t15.html
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