Let the bird trapping begin... despite EU warning

Thousands of bird trappers will be permitted to continue their controversial practice, as the government this morning announced the start of another trapping season.

The government has effectively ignored the repeated warning by the European Commission that bird trapping is illegal.

Through a legal notice in the Government Gazette, the government said that the trapping season for seven species of song birds, song thrush and golden plover, will open on Tuesday and last until the end of the year.

Trappers can catch 33,200 birds with limits established for every species. Those participating in this season need to have a special licence costing €55.

Bird trapping is illegal in the EU but member states may derogate from legislation. However, the Commission has already underlines that in Malta’s case the derogation is not justified.

The Commission has already referred Malta's case to the European Court of Justice.