Five massive cage trap installations designed for the mass-capturing of turtle doves were yesterday dismantled by teams from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) together with Gozo police officers.

CABS said in a statement that all traps were active and contained freshly caught birds as well as live decoys.

A total 68 live turtle doves were seized, 51 of which were immediately released.

Seventeen were taken to a rehabilitation centre for treatment.

CABS said that its teams found the traps in the area around Xagħra and Marsalforn and in close vicinity to hunting hides.

The five traps could be spotted from public roads or high vantage points

CABS praised the Gozo police for their quick reaction.

It said the government’s Wild Bird Regulation Unit (WBRU) assisted in the operation by giving legal advice with regards to the confiscation of ringed decoys.

CABS said the five traps could be spotted from public roads or high vantage points.

“It is safe to assume that a multiple thereof can be found in other areas of Gozo and on places which are either inaccessible or hidden behind walls or trees,” it said as it called on the authorities to conduct their own proactive search operations.

CABS also said that, on Tuesday, its teams filmed and reported a hunter hunting too close to a residential area in Għargħur. While the police were looking for him, another approached the waiting CABS team and abused members with xenophobic insults.

CABS said it filmed the incident and a report was to be filed with the police.