Lobby says hunters must fight for their reputation and apprehend poachers

Hunters' federation FKNK has condemned the killing of two flamingos, in a statement in which the lobby said it was instigating its "thousands of law-abiding members to do their utmost" to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.

"No one is suffering more than the legal hunters themselves each time a case concerning any violation of hunting regulations is heard of," FKNK secretary-general Lino Farrugia said.

For the second time in less than a week, illegal hunters have shot at and killed at least two Greater Flamingos flying off the coast of Malta, this time hunting the protected birds at sea, while BirdLife Malta separately received three more shot protected birds recovered at sea over the weekend.

On Sunday afternoon a flock of at least 60 flamingos was spotted flying low off the coast opposite Maghtab. Within a minute, hunters on a speedboat within one kilometre of the coast were seen shooting at the flock, killing two birds, which fell into the sea and were collected by the men on the boat.

Hunting at sea is permitted for 13 species of duck and goose between 1^st October and 31^st January. The birds that are protected on land are also protected at sea and it is illegal to hunt within three kilometres of the shore.

Farrugia conceded that in such cases where shotgun wounds are inflicted, "hunting is invariably mentioned and in the eye of the general public and in that of the less experienced, all hunters are bad."

Farrugia however called on hunters to "stand tall and defend themselves" by ensuring that illegal hunters are apprehended and "eradicated".

"This is the only way hunting can regain the social status it enjoyed not so long ago. These criminals have to be aware of FKNK's wrath."

BirdLife Malta teams have continued to witness the shooting of protected birds in several locations around Malta, with Barn Swallows, two Honey Buzzards, a Hobby and a Kestrel all shot at or shot down at the weekend. Video footage of incidents has been passed to the police.

"On the eve of a general election, hunting in Malta seems to be spiralling out of control on land and at sea. Despite inadequate law enforcement, a trapping season will open within the next 12 days, stretching the already limited ALE even further," said Nicholas Barbara, BirdLife Malta Conservation Manager.