‘Dangerous step backwards’: NGOs warn against easing wildlife crime penalties

A coalition of 10 environmental NGOs have warned that proposals to reduce penalties for wildlife crimes and potentially allow hunters or trappers previously banned for life to regain their licences would mark a “dangerous step backwards” for environmental protection and the rule of law in Malta, the organisations said in a joint statement.

In a statement Thursday signed by BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Għawdix, Malta Rangers Unit, Moviment Graffitti, Nature Trust Malta, Ramblers Malta and Wirt Għawdex, the NGOs referred to a report by Times of Malta which said that the government had agreed to hunting lobby proposals to reduce penalties for some hunting and trapping offences, and make it possible to reverse lifetime bans.

The NGOs said environmental crimes rob the public of its shared natural heritage and undermine the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems that belong to all of society.

“Proposals to reduce penalties for wildlife-related offences and allow individuals previously banned from hunting or trapping to potentially regain their licences represent a dangerous step backwards for environmental protection and the rule of law in Malta,” the organisations said.

The groups questioned the message such proposals would send to the public.

“What message does this send? That environmental crimes are ultimately tolerated? That persistent breaches of conservation laws can eventually be overlooked? That political interests take precedence over the protection of nature, biodiversity, and effective enforcement?” the statement said.

The NGOs said they were particularly concerned by public statements and implications made by political figures suggesting that individuals handed lifetime hunting bans by the Courts could eventually see those sentences reversed.

“Such an approach is not only unfair to the rest of society, which expects laws and court judgments to be respected, but also represents a deeply troubling attitude towards the rule of law and democratic governance,” the organisations said.

The NGOs said that Malta needs leadership that upholds the law equally for everyone, rather than “a government that buckles under pressure from those who repeatedly choose to break it.”

“At a time when Malta should be strengthening environmental governance and demonstrating zero tolerance towards wildlife crime, discussions are instead moving in the direction of weakening deterrents and diminishing accountability,” the statement continued.

The organisations warned that such moves risk undermining years of work carried out by environmental authorities, activists, scientists and citizens committed to protecting Malta’s natural heritage.

“Wildlife crime is not a trivial matter. Illegal hunting and trapping directly impact biodiversity and damage ecosystems already under severe pressure,” the statement said.

The NGOs also noted that Malta has repeatedly faced international scrutiny over environmental enforcement and derogations, making it even more important to maintain strong and credible legal protections.

“Nature and environmental protection cannot continue to be compromised for political convenience,” the organisations said, urging government to commit to conservation, biodiversity protection and the proper enforcement of environmental laws, rather than treating them as negotiable.

Animal NGOs and activists also joined the criticism, warning that allowing banned hunters and trappers to potentially regain their licences while simultaneously reducing penalties for wildlife-related offences would amount to “pandering to criminals already found guilty” and would undermine both justice and environmental protection.

The organisations said that, at a time when Malta should be strengthening wildlife protection and increasing enforcement against environmental crime, discussions were instead moving “towards weakening penalties and reopening doors for offenders.”

“This undermines the work of authorities, NGOs, activists, and all those who genuinely believe laws should mean something,” the groups said.

The statement said that wildlife crime is “not a minor offence,” warning that Malta’s biodiversity is already under immense pressure and noting that the country has repeatedly faced international criticism over environmental enforcement and hunting derogations.

“The environment and animals should not continue to be sacrificed for political convenience,” the organisations said, urging government to stop treating conservation, biodiversity and justice as “negotiable.”

“Regardless of who is in government, animals should never be a pawn in politicians’ hands,” the statement added.

The statement was signed by Angel for Paws, Animal Alliance, Association for Abandoned Animals, CLAWS, CSAF, Island Sanctuary, Debbie’s Little Darlings, Fabio Spiteri, Fostering and Homing Paws, HUH, Kitty Guardian for Strays, Moira Delia, Paws for Cause by Joanna Mallia, RAR Real Animal Rights Foundation, MSPCA, Noah’s Ark, Our Rescues Malta, Vuċi Għall Annimali, Żejtun Stray Cats, Tomasina Cat Sanctuary and the Ħ’Attard Stray Animal Support Group.

 

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