An amending bill that introduces new offenses during the hunt, while at the same time provides very severe penalties for offenders, was prepared by the Ministry of Interior and the Thera Service. The purpose of the legislation is to amend the basic law on the Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Prey, in order to better address, as reported, the problems that concern hunting in Cyprus today.
Among other things, several offenses provide for fines of up to 2.000 euros and up to 2 years in prison, or both. The provisions of the new legislation were also agreed by the Cyprus Federation for Hunting and Wildlife Conservation, since the two sides have had several consultations recently.
Nevertheless, the Thera Service, wanting to hear the views of various actors, hunting clubs and hunters, invited all those interested to come on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Amphitheater of the Department of Urban Planning and Housing, which is located at Kinyra Street no. 5-6 in Nicosia, so that they can submit their own views. This shows that the new provisions of the proposed legislation are very serious, since, immediately after the bill will be sent for approval to the Council of Ministers and will be submitted to Parliament. Until then, the Thera Service will receive written comments, suggestions or remarks.
One of the basic provisions states that it is forbidden to post photos or videos on social media, which present prey in such a way as to offend the sport of hunting. The same goes for photos or videos that seem to be torturing prey. The Hunting Service will appoint a three-member committee, which will evaluate the photos and videos and if it finds something that, according to its own data, is considered to offend hunting, it will impose up to three degrees of punishment on the hunter.
There are many opinions on this subject as many hunters pose with prey, or have posted photos in the past and remain on social media. The question also arises as to whether the commission, when convicting someone, will have the right to challenge the decision, or to be able to appeal it to another body.
After the conviction, only the Head of the Thera Service can appeal to the person who will be reported. From now on, the boss has the right to listen and decide whether to increase or decrease the penalty scores.
Another provision states that any dog transported by a hunter must carry a microchip, the number of which will be written on his hunting license. Otherwise he is guilty of an offense. A new provision states that on endemic hunting days, everyone in the vehicle, even burgers, must wear a hunting orange. It is also a crime to carry electrical appliances, which emit chimes or prey voices. Only telephones or factory car audio systems are excluded.
It is also forbidden to carry cartridges during the closed hunting season, or by persons who do not have a hunting license. It is also a crime to fence the premises which can cause injury, or death to wildlife, or dogs. Two other provisions concern the control of weapons and dogs when requested by rangers. In both cases, the denial is a serious offense. It is typically stated that if a hunter or other person refuses to have control of his weapon or bow, or refuses to remove the cartridges from the weapon, he is guilty of an offense. The same if he fails to disembark his hounds for control by the car again he is guilty of an offense. Still, if he can not collect them to be checked in the habitat he is guilty of an offense.
New charge for dogs as well
Up to two dogs on the hunt the license will be 10 euros. However, for each additional dog on leave, an amount of 5 euros will be paid. If someone hunts with an unmarked dog the fine is 200 euros. The same goes for a dog that the hunter trains in the habitats. For transporting a weapon with cartridges in the car 500 euros. Finally, an offense is introduced when someone refuses to inform the Head of the Hunting Service about the harvesting of prey. The fine is 100 euros. Setting up iron traps for prey, such as hare and wild boar, is punishable by 500 euros each, for partridges, loaves and fins 100 euros each and for gizzards 10 euros each.
SCHOOL OF GUARDIANS AND FINES WITH INSTALLMENTS
Special provision provides for the establishment and operation of a School of Rangers. The conditions for admission, the sports test, the courses that will be taught and the successful completion of their training are determined. The bill stipulates that extrajudicial fines in excess of one thousand euros can be settled and repaid in monthly installments. Payment will be made within a year. If the installments are not paid, the fines will increase sharply.
Source: Philenews