Hunter Apprehended Following Killing of Protected Kestrel in Ħal Farruġ
In brief
- BirdLife Malta confirmed a hunter was apprehended after video footage captured the killing of a common kestrel.
- Police launched an official investigation into the incident, which occurred in Ħal Farruġ on Sunday morning.
- The common kestrel is a strictly protected bird of prey under Maltese and European Union conservation laws.
A hunter has been apprehended following the killing of a protected bird of prey in Ħal Farruġ, police have confirmed. Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on video footage showing a hunter crushing a protected kestrel to death in Ħal Farruġ.
The apprehension came after BirdLife Malta published video evidence documenting the incident, which occurred during morning monitoring of the autumn hunting season.
In the recorded footage, the protected common kestrel was shot down before being crushed underfoot by the hunter, resulting in the bird dying at the scene.
BirdLife Malta confirmed that following the public circulation of the footage, law enforcement authorities identified and apprehended the individual involved.
The police confirmed that an official investigation into the incident is actively underway to determine the circumstances and pursue legal action.
Under Maltese and European Union environmental laws, the common kestrel is a strictly protected species, carrying severe penalties for illegal targeting and killing.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both outlets reported the police investigation and the apprehension of the suspect consistently without notable framing differences.