
Overview
The large-scale shooting and trapping of birds during migration in Malta is well-known to conservationists across Europe and to anyone who has visited the country. During the spring and autumn, thousands of migrating and resident birds are shot indiscriminately. Further, thousands of small songbirds are trapped to be caged.
In April 2008 the European Court of Justice ordered the Maltese government not to allow spring hunting and in January 2009 trapping should be illegal too, when a derogation allowed when Malta joined the EU in 2004 expires. Even with these activities illegal, enforcement is poor and political will to act against illegal activities is weak. Halting this illegal shooting and trapping is a top priority for us.
In April 2008 the European Court of Justice ordered the Maltese government not to allow spring hunting and in January 2009 trapping should be illegal too, when a derogation allowed when Malta joined the EU in 2004 expires. Even with these activities illegal, enforcement is poor and political will to act against illegal activities is weak. Halting this illegal shooting and trapping is a top priority for us.