Just hours after the European Court of Justice ruled against spring hunting in Malta, the Maltese police recovered the first casualty of illegal shooting after a bird of prey was shot down.
A flock of more than 20 marsh harriers was being monitored by observers from the CABS¹ bird protection camp which is being run in conjunction with International Animal Rescue in Malta. During their return flight over Malta from their breeding grounds, some of the birds stopped to rest in the trees while others continued their journey. A considerable number of shots was heard late in the afternoon in different areas, in spite of the fact that hunting is prohibited at this time of year.
The marsh harrier was hit several times in the right wing and sustained multiple fractures. It was in a very bad way and is undergoing a veterinary examination to determine whether it stands a reasonable chance of survival.
Max Farrugia, International Animal Rescue’s Chairman in Malta, said that in less than two hours seven phone calls had been received identifying areas where illegal hunting was taking place. The police were alerted immediately and patrols sent to the areas indicated. He added that, in spite of appeals from the hunting federation to members not to hunt illegally, some reckless individuals chose to ignore the officials and go shooting nevertheless.
1. Committee Against Bird Slaughter