Watch: Protected Osprey Shot Down In Birżebbuġa Documented By BirdLife
A protected Osprey was shot down yesterday in the early hours of the day in Birżebbuġa as a storm surrounded the island, with the ordeal being documented by BirdLife Malta.
On Monday 9th September, volunteers of BirdLife Malta participating in the annual Raptor Camp observed and filmed a protected Osprey being shot down in Birzebbuga.
This happened just after around four Ospreys were witnessed roosting in the Buskett area the evening before.
In a statement, BirdLife Malta explained how following the incident, “it contacted 119 immediately who were initially informed that EPU were not available. Following a third call, an EPU unit was made contact with, and details were passed on”.
At this time, is believed that neither the bird nor the hunter have been located.
“The disregard towards the law by hunters that aim at protected birds is encouraged by the lack of enforcement on the islands of Malta and Gozo and is the reason why Malta is facing legal infringement procedures by the European Commission on the matter,” BirdLife stated.
It continued by urging the Malta Police Force to take environment protection, in particular bird protection laws, seriously.
Finally, it urged for a stronger EPU presence with adequate resources and motivation to act fast and decisive in such circumstances, while a hunting season for around 10,000 hunters is currently open.
What do you make of this footage? Have you ever witnessed such illegalities?
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