Policies & Compliance

Animal Welfare & Ethical Code of Conduct

This code is binding on every member of The Fredericus Rex Malta Falconers. It exists because the credibility of falconry rests entirely on the condition of the birds in our care.

First principle

The welfare of the bird takes precedence over every other consideration — over flying, over demonstration, over the convenience of the falconer and over the expectations of an audience. A bird that is unwell, moulting heavily, over-stressed or out of condition is not flown and is not presented to the public.

Housing

Every bird must be housed in a mews of appropriate dimensions, dry, well ventilated, free from vermin and shaded from the Maltese summer sun. Perching must be varied and of correct diameter and surface to protect the feet. Clean bathing water must be available daily. Weathering ground must be safe and secure.

Condition and feeding

Birds are fed on clean, quality food of appropriate species and quantity. Flying weight is managed by daily weighing and written logs, never by deprivation. Any sustained loss of condition requires veterinary consultation.

Veterinary care

Every member must have access to an avian veterinarian and must seek treatment without delay for injury, illness, parasitic infestation or any change in behaviour or droppings that suggests disease. Cost is never a reason to delay treatment.

Equipment

Jesses, leashes, swivels, hoods and telemetry must be inspected before every use and replaced at the first sign of wear. Hoods must fit correctly. Equipment that risks injury to the bird is destroyed rather than repaired.

Wild birds

Members do not take raptors from the wild. Wild birds are handled only for rescue, and only for as long as care requires, with the objective always being recovery and release where release is possible. Any illegal taking, trade or shooting of protected birds that comes to our knowledge is reported to the competent authorities.

Transport and public events

Birds are transported in purpose-built, ventilated boxes, never in a hot vehicle. At public events birds are given a shaded, quiet position, are never handled by the public, and are removed from display at the first sign of stress.

Breach

Any breach of this code is investigated by the committee. Sanctions range from written warning and mandatory mentoring to suspension, expulsion and referral to the authorities.

Last reviewed and adopted by the committee — The Fredericus Rex Malta Falconers (VO/1169), Malta.