WATCH | Protected bird found injured at St Edward’s College

Students returning to St Edward’s College for the start of the new scholastic year yesterday found an injured Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) on the school grounds.

BirdLife Malta was called to collect the protected bird. A government veterinarian later confirmed it had suffered shotgun injuries.

The incident has renewed calls from BirdLife Malta for a 200-metre no-hunting buffer zone around schools.

BirdLife Malta had previously proposed such a buffer zone, but the proposal was rejected by the ORNIS Committee, with no support from government-appointed members or the Environment and Resources Authority.

BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana said children should be able to attend school without hearing gunshots or encountering protected birds that have been shot on school grounds.

“Schools should be safe spaces for children and wildlife alike,” Sultana said.

BirdLife Malta reiterated its call for a 200-metre no-hunting buffer around schools, arguing that students should be able to learn without being exposed to the risks and disturbance associated with hunting.

The organisation also said protected wildlife should receive the protection provided for under Maltese law.

The incident comes as Prime Minister Robert Abela is seeking to reduce penalties for people who breach laws protecting wild birds, according to BirdLife Malta

The incident comes as Prime Minister Robert Abela is seeking to reduce penalties for people who breach laws protecting wild birds, according to BirdLife Malta.

The organisation called on the government not to weaken penalties for offences involving protected birds, and instead to strengthen enforcement and ensure that the illegal killing of protected birds carries meaningful consequences.