The European Union’s executive arm, the European Commission, has given two formal warnings to the island nation of Malta for its controversial tradition of trapping wild finches. The capture and keeping of wild birds including finches is illegal throughout the EU. However, in April, the people of Malta voted to approve of the hunting of migratory birds in spring. The BBC reported: “There were jubilant scenes in the counting hall as the pro-hunt activists celebrated victory, which was achieved by only 2,200 votes.” 340,000 people were eligible to vote in the referendum.
“Since Malta has not committed to ending finch trapping, the commission has, therefore, decided to refer Malta to the Court of Justice of the EU,” the European Commission said in a statement.
