FKNK ‘confident’ finch trapping derogation will once again be applied

FKNK CEO Lino Farrugia is ‘confident’ that Malta will be provided with a finch trapping derogation in the future, despite the European Courts of Justice declaring the practice illegal last June after finding that Malta had failed to fulfil its obligations under the European Wild Birds Directive.

The practice was initially phased out in 2009, only for it to be reintroduced in 2014, despite the European Commission’s objections, with the government insisting that it was in line with derogations established in the Birds’ Directive.

Speaking in an interview published in today’s edition, which covers the issues surrounding hunting illegalities, enforcement, and the spring hunting season, Farrugia conceded that even though the FKNK had asked for a derogation for the current season, it will, in all likeliness, not be provided

“This year, as we have always done – even when it was not permitted – we applied to the Ornis Committee for a derogation for trapping. However, in the light of the court case, the Maltese government may not be prepared to apply one,” he said.

Asked whether the ruling meant that it was time for the lobby to give up on the practice, Farrugia said: “I don’t believe so. At the moment, we have just received some very encouraging news from our lawyers in Brussels, who have analysed the court case and have seen what should be done.

“We are still willing to work with the government in future seasons, so even if it does not open this year, we are confident that it will in the future. If I had given up on the issue when I started out 35 years ago then I would not be here today. We continue to get many young people who are interested in joining, so there will be others to take on the mantle.”