BirdLife Malta expresses its deep disappointment and concern at the approach being adopted by both the Labour Party (PL) and the Nationalist Party (PN) towards hunting and trapping, where electoral considerations appear to be taking precedence over environmental protection, the rule of law, and the wider interests of Maltese society.
Recent statements and promises directed at the hunting and trapping sector point towards a worrying race between political parties to outbid each other with commitments that risk weakening enforcement and accountability. Particularly alarming are calls for the lowering of fines and penalties related to serious offences such as the shooting of protected birds and hunting or trapping during closed seasons.
These are not “mistakes”. Deliberately shooting protected birds or hunting and trapping during periods when such activities are prohibited is a conscious decision to act against the law and against Maltese society as a whole. Such offences undermine conservation efforts, weaken respect for environmental laws and damage Malta’s international reputation.
At a time when illegal killing of birds remains a significant concern, BirdLife Malta questions how reducing fines and penalties can possibly make sense. Effective enforcement depends not on weakening consequences but on ensuring that the law is respected and applied fairly.
BirdLife Malta is also deeply concerned by statements reportedly made by candidates suggesting that sanctions imposed on individuals who permanently lost their hunting licences after serious breaches of the law should be revisited or revoked. Individuals who lose their licences do so following established legal procedures and decisions taken by the competent authorities and courts.
Public promises that individuals who deliberately broke the law and were subsequently sanctioned by the courts will have those consequences revoked amount, in BirdLife Malta’s view, to nothing short of a promise of a presidential pardon. Such declarations create the dangerous perception that penalties imposed through established legal and judicial processes can simply be undone for electoral gain. This undermines public confidence in the independence of institutions, the rule of law and the principle that justice should apply equally to all.
Equally disappointing is the position taken by the Nationalist Party, which appears to have fallen into the same trap of giving hunting and trapping disproportionate political importance over the interests of the wider public and the natural environment. Particularly concerning are statements indicating that hunting and trapping would be safeguarded even in situations where practices may conflict with obligations arising from the EU Birds Directive.
It is unfair, unjust and deeply disappointing to witness this political charade in this day and age. Malta deserves leadership that protects the environment, respects institutions and upholds the law equally for everyone.
We believe there is a silent majority that supports environmental protection. While many may not vote solely on this issue, they are undoubtedly discouraged by such desperate tactics and are willing to respond when there is a need to hold public institutions accountable. This has already been demonstrated by recent movements that successfully mobilised the public around single issues, such as opposition to the takeover of Manoel Island, and the Xebbajtuna protest.
BirdLife Malta wishes to make its position absolutely clear: we will continue to use every legitimate means and all resources available to us to safeguard Malta’s natural heritage. And where necessary, we will also stand in defence of the democratic principles and institutional integrity that are essential to a fair and just society.
Read our press release in Maltese.
