Hunters slam new criminal record requirement for licence applications
FKNK says the new verification process is unnecessarily bureaucratic
The hunting federation slammed new requirements for licence applicants to obtain a criminal record saying the procedure is “excessively bureaucratic”.
The Wild Birds Regulation Unit application form demands applicants for the General Live-Capturing Licence to obtain an up-to-date criminal record, which is presented before a lawyer or notary public, and must pay for an official declaration certifying their eligibility for the licence.
In a statement on Friday evening, the Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) “expressed its concern” over this new procedure, saying it was “excessively bureaucratic, unnecessary, and disproportionate, creating an additional burden on both citizens and the public entities involved.”
FKNK argued the procedure will created “unnecessary pressure” on the Malta Police Force as they will face more requests for criminal records, while imposing an additional financial burden on applicants.
The federation said they will be raising the matter with “the relevant authorities” in a bid to have the verifications carried out directly by the public administration.