Two white storks were shot out of the sky on Wednesday, raising to five the number of birds known to have been shot down since a flock of 18 arrived over Malta and Gozo last week.

BirdLife Malta said the dead birds were found at Magħtab and a vet confirmed they had been shot.

And there are fears that more birds may also have fallen victim, since only seven could be seen flying on Wednesday.

Three protected white storks were shot down on Friday and a man was subsequently arraigned and accused of the crime. 

Animal Rights Parliamentary Secretary Clint Camilleri told Times of Malta on Friday that the hunters behind the crime would not find any protection from the government.

“I hope those behind this crime are caught and face all the necessary consequences,” he said.