The hunters' federation this morning poured scorn on 'coincidences' reported by CABS on the discovery of dead birds in Mizieb.

Reacting to the reported discovery of over 70 dead birds, the FKNK said that the case did not surprise it.

On the contrary, the federation said, it was to be expected that such a German-based organisation such as CABS - Committee Against Bird Slaughter - (which the FKNK listed as Committee against Bird Murder) would do its utmost to create such incidents in the hope that it would attract public sympathy against Maltese and Gozitan hunters and trappers.

"Whilst the FKNK reiterates its position of "zero tolerance" with regard to the shooting of protected species, it had foreseen that these persons would create seriously doubtful situations against hunting and trapping. So much so that weeks prior to their planned arrival in Malta, the FKNK had already drawn the attention of the authorities about such dubious activities and that it was prepared to pay for a police officer on extra duty to accompany them itself. These warnings must have fallen on deaf ears since absolutely nothing happened and thus CABS had once again the occasion to be alone in a hunting and trapping area and once again, coincidentally finding tens of birds "buried" that, none of the over two hundred dogs of hunters that frequent that area was able to scent even one single specimen."

It said criticised the authorities for not doing anything to curtail these occurrences, despite the reports in Malta and abroad.

Regarding the allegations of a physical attack, the FKNK said it would not comment at this stage since the case was before the courts.

"However, when one thinks about these alleged incidents and uses only a tiny amount of common sense, one should realise who, in fact, stands to benefit from such allegations," it said.