Woman Walking Dogs in Selmun Struck by Shotgun Pellets
In brief
- A woman was reportedly hit three times by shotgun pellets while walking two dogs in Selmun early on Tuesday.
- The incident occurred around 6.30am in the Il-Qortin area near Fort Campbell, above Triq l-Imġiebaħ.
- BirdLife Malta condemned the shooting, raising fresh concerns over public safety along countryside trails.
BirdLife Malta has voiced serious concern after a woman was hit by gunfire while exercising two dogs in the countryside outside Selmun.
The shooting took place around 6.30am in the Il-Qortin area, located directly above Triq l-Imġiebaħ and close to the historic Fort Campbell. The victim was reportedly struck three times by spent pellets as shots were discharged nearby.
Information regarding the event was first made public through an online post by the owner of the dogs. The post detailed how the morning walk was abruptly interrupted by gunfire, leading to the woman being struck.
BirdLife Malta issued a statement denouncing the occurrence, criticising the lack of caution shown towards civilians visiting the countryside and warning of the ongoing risks posed to pedestrians.
Selmun's elevated coastal paths and the open grounds around Fort Campbell are popular destinations for hikers and dog walkers. However, the wider rural area also accommodates hunting activity, leading to recurrent tensions over safety near frequented pathways.
The episode has renewed wider calls for stricter enforcement of hunting regulations, particularly regarding minimum safety distances from public roads, buildings, and recreational trails across the Maltese islands.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both outlets reported the incident consistently, focusing on the woman's account and the location of the shooting.