In line with the Birds Directive and the Accession Treaty Agreement signed with the Commission when Malta joined the EU, the government has this year banned the trapping of finches.
The government has however applied a derogation opening the trapping season for Turtle Dove and Quail from the 1st of September to the 30th of October and for Golden Plover and Song Thrush from the 20th of October to the 10th of January.
This means that trapping of any species including finches other than the species mentioned above is illegal.
Illegal activity includes:
• Having decoys of any protected specie on or near the trapping site (including finches)
• Trapping Turtle Dove or Quail outside the 1st of September to the 30th of October
• Trapping Golden Plover or Song Thrush outside the 20th of October to the 10th of January
• Trapping using electronic tape lures
• Trapping using nets operated using mechanical/electrical apparatus
• Trapping between two hours after dark and two hours before dawn
When you witness illegal trapping, call the A.L.E. on 22942161/2/3 (Monday to Saturday, between 8am to 5.30pm, Saturday until 2 pm)
or call the Police Command Centre on 21 224 001 at any time.
It is important to call immediately after you witness the illegal activity. Before you call make sure that you have most of the information needed by the police:
• Exact location of incident or land mark;
• Details of incident;
• Number of persons involved;
• Details of appearance (colour of clothes, long or short trousers etc.);
• Car registration number (if applicable);
• Time and date of incident.
Also keep a record of the time and date of your report to the police and ask for the badge number of the police officer you are speaking to. Keep a record of this and make reference to this badge number when you follow up with another call a few days later to see what the outcome was.