Editorial: Cruelty and political cowardice

Hunting atrocities in Malta have been around for decades. But the footage released last week of a defenceless, protected bird, already injured, being crushed under the boot of a poacher takes the cruelty to a new level. 

Luckily, thanks to bird watchers, the police swooped in and arrested the man. 

The uncomfortable truth, however, is that enforcement (whenever it happens), is only treating the symptoms of a deeper and more entrenched problem: a system that continues to tolerate, excuse and, at times, quietly enable illegal hunting and trapping. In fact, organisations such as BirdLife Malta and the Committee Against Bird Slaughter have rightly pointed out that such incidents are part of a broader pattern. 

Their call for an end to government-sanctioned trapping derogations are (sadly) sounding like a broken record. But they are right. These derogations risk serving as a convenient cover for illegal activity and sustaining a black market in wild-caught birds.

Similarly, BirdLife Malta has repeatedly warned about the ecological consequences of Malta’s current policies. Their call for a reinstated moratorium on the spring hunting of the turtle dove is grounded in scientific evidence. Across Europe, populations of this migratory species have plummeted, with a decline of over 23 per cent recorded across key migratory routes. 

Yet, despite mounting evidence and increasing pressure from European institutions, our authorities are choosing to turn a blind eye. And the reason is obvious: votes.

For years, Malta has chosen to ignore and skirt EU rules, triggering infringement proceedings and reputational damage. 

The message sent is that laws designed to protect biodiversity can be manipulated or ignored when they prove politically inconvenient.

The contrast with other European countries is stark. In Italy, where illegal bird hunting was once widespread, sustained enforcement campaigns, tougher penalties and coordinated action with environmental groups have significantly reduced illegalities. 

Likewise, in Spain, the authorities have combined stricter enforcement with public awareness campaigns and EU-backed conservation programmes. The result has been a decline in illegal trapping practices in several key migratory corridors. Crucially, political will played a decisive role.

Back in Malta the authorities assure us that lawbreakers will face punishment, but the situation on the ground is very different. All of us who have ventured into the countryside continue to witness hunting and trapping illegalities. And why should we be surprised? We continue to see a steady stream of reassurances to hunters and trappers, often delivered in highly visible political settings. 

Ministers and elected representatives are seen courting the very groups whose practices are under scrutiny, promising concessions while defending ‘Maltese traditions’. Shame that the conservation groups are never given the same attention.

We are faced with a systemic weakness knowing a poacher is confident he is unlikely to face serious consequences, while law abiders and nature lovers, who do not threaten with their votes, are ignored.

With a looming general election, we cannot expect the two main parties to take a stronger stand against illegal hunting and trapping. On the contrary, expect more concessions, more selfies of politicians with hunters to be shared on social media. We need to repeat this is not an attack on hunters and trappers who abide by the law and do not use their vote for privileges.

But there is a reality: the vast majority of the Maltese public does not condone cruelty on animals. Nor do they benefit from a system that privileges a small but vocal lobby at the expense of the environment, the rule of law and Malta’s reputation.

It is quite disheartening to know that the horrific video we watched last week will not be the last.