Alleged Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq Flamingo Poacher Found In Possession Of Illegal Stuffed Birds
A suspected flamingo poacher who is facing charges for allegedly shooting a protected flamingo at Qalet Marku has now been found in possession of an illegal collection of stuffed protected birds.
31-year-old Mosta resident Carl Sant is now facing additional charges, following investigations after his initial arraignment for recently hunting a protected bird at Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.
Police investigations have now revealed an illegal collection of stuffed protected birds, with this discovery adding a new dimension to the case.
Sant was originally charged with breaching the Wild Birds Conservation Regulations and related legislation after being identified as the suspect in the flamingo shooting.
He was apprehended by police who analySed videos from the scene and reports from witnesses. The accused had allegedly shot the flamingo and then removed it from the sea before fleeing in a car.
After his initial arrest, Sant was released on bail with strict conditions, including a midnight to 5am curfew and a third-party guarantee of €10,000.
Despite Sant’s denial of all charges, the court heard from several eyewitnesses in its first sitting. These witnesses recounted observing the flamingo in flight before it was abruptly shot. The incident, captured on video by the witnesses, has been presented as evidence in court.
However, under questioning from defence lawyers Franco Debono and Alex Miruzzi, the witnesses clarified that while they witnessed the flamingo being shot and saw Sant, identified as a hunter in the vicinity, they did not directly see him commit the act. They estimated Sant to be around 500 meters away from their location at the time of the shooting.
The case is ongoing.
What do you make of this new development?
READ NEXT: Summer Tourists Disappointed With Malta's Cleanliness According To MTA Travellers Survey
