BirdLife claims ‘unacceptable behaviour by the Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights’
In his role, Roderick Galdes should not have been part of the launch of an event promoting trapping of birds
It is unacceptable for Roderick Galdes in his role as Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights to opt to be part of the launch of an event promoting trapping of birds which was held on Sunday, BirdLife said.
Bird trapping activities have no link whatsoever with animal rights. This event goes against the values of love for nature, preservation and conservation, and to have the person representing animal rights in Malta’s Government launching this event, simply shows where his priorities are.
Mr Galdes was already criticised in January 2016 for organising an activity with taxidermists promoting the killing and stuffing of birds. On that occasion he stood alongside two people found guilty of the illegal possession of protected birds including birds of prey. Now, once again during the launch (as can be seen from the DOI official photographs), Mr Galdes stood side by side with a person found guilty of being in possession of 20 carcasses of protected birds, mainly birds of prey. Rather than distancing himself from those who do not respect our environment and conservation laws, Mr Galdes opts to organise events with them. This dents the credibility of Mr Galdes when stating that he is fighting illegalities in relation to nature laws.
The event at Buskett could also be considered as illegal since it was organised in a nature reserve which is a Natura 2000 site, thus prohibiting people to be in possession of birds. BirdLife Malta is requesting clarification from the Environment and Resources Authority on its position on this event.
BirdLife Malta also calls on the Prime Minister to stand by his words following the referendum, that he will lead a more environmentally conscious government.