AD calls for reversal of bird trapping in autumn season

Alternattiva Demokratika says that bird trapping is an “unsustainable practice”.

“Throughout the recent past years, enforcement has failed to address the rampant illegal bird trapping
“Throughout the recent past years, enforcement has failed to address the rampant illegal bird trapping" - AD.

Alternattiva Demokratika has called upon the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Affairs and Animal rights, Roderick Galdes, to reverse the decision to allow autumn bird trapping.

“Alternattiva Demokratika condemns the re-introduction of bird trapping for seven finch species - and more - through the application of a derogation,” Simon Galea, the green party’s spokesperson for animal welfare and agriculture said. “Instead of promoting nature appreciation and conservation through educational programmes and activities such as bird watching, the authorities are approving the trapping of wild birds including seven species of finches, song thrushes and golden plovers destined to spend the rest of their life confined to small cages.”

Galea said that apart from the animal welfare aspect, allowing bird trapping is an “unsustainable practice”, especially since it is not linked to any breeding programme. “Throughout the recent past years, enforcement has failed to address the rampant illegal bird trapping,” he said. “Let alone respecting conditions related to such a derogation including the trapping of birds on a selective basis, in small numbers and under strict supervision.”

“This runs counter to the Accession Treaty Agreement where it was agreed that trapping will be phased out by 2009.”