30 illegalities were observed during the last spring hunting season, 12 charged – minister

A total of 30 illegalities related to the most recent spring hunting season were observed in several localities on the island on almost every day of the season, which was open from 10 April to 30 April 2023.

Of the 30, the police issued 12 charges related to the illegalities.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri was replying to PN MP Albert Buttigieg, who, in a parliamentary question, asked Camilleri to divulge how many illegalities were observed during the spring hunting season last month for every day the season was open.

There were no illegalities observed or charges issued on the first day of the season, 10 April.

On 11 April, three illegalities were observed, with one in Ħal Far, one in Xagħjra, and one in

Żurrieq. However, no charges were issued on this day.

On 13 April, another three illegalities were observed, in Rabat, Santa Luċija and Mtaħleb respectively. Charges were issued for the cases in Rabat and Santa Luċija.

On 17 April, one illegality was observed in Xgħajra, but no charges were issued.

An illegality was observed in San Ġwann on 18 April, with a charge issued against it. On 19 April, there was a single illegality observed in Fawwara in Siġġiewi, yet no charges were issued.

An additional three illegalities were observed on 20 April, in Dingli, Baħrija, and Rabat respectively. The case in Dingli was charged by police.

Four more illegalities were observed on 22 April, one at Delimara, one at Siġġiewi, and two in Mġarr. One case in Mġarr was charged.

23 April saw six illegalities observed in localities around the island, namely Qrendi, Baħrija, Żurrieq, Santa Luċija, Bidnija and Għar Lapsi in Siġġiewi. The Qrendi and Baħrija cases were charged.

One illegality was observed on 25 April in Siġġiewi, however no charges were issued.

Another four were observed on 26 April, two cases in Qrendi, and two in Rabat. The two cases in Qrendi were charged.

On 27 April, an illegality was observed and charged in Xgħajra. 28 April saw another illegality in Rabat, which was also charged.

The final day of the season saw one illegality observed in Dingli, with a charge issued against it.

No illegalities were observed on 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 21, 24 and 29 April. In total, 12 illegalities had charges issued against them.

Buttigieg also asked Camilleri to disclose the amount of spot checks the police in Malta and Gozo conducted during the spring hunting season.

The total number of spot checks conducted by the police throughout the spring hunting season was 949.