AD has said that it deeply regrets the Government’s DOI Press release issued today on the opening of spring shooting season.

AD added that it also also regretted that such a measure by government is indeed ignoring all EU obligations, all financial implications, all social repercussions, but is just concerned about its political mileage with the hope of not losing votes.

The declaration that only 2500 licences will be issued is again a serious psychological and social impact which will divide and create further friction between the 11,000 hunters.

The Government notes that this is near to impossible and one can thus conclude that Government is intentionally creating internal strife within the hunter’s community so that it can say that once the hunters did not sort this out themselves then it will not open the spring season. This is indeed immoral.

The Government has long been taking the hunters for a ride, since Dr Gonzi was secretary general of his party. Government knew all along that it is impossible to allow spring hunting and is trying to find ways and means now to blame somebody else to exculpate it from not honouring its decision.

AD referred to the DOI Press release where it mentions that only 3900 turtle doves and 3600 quails will be allowed to be hunted. This is by far a smaller number than the numbers caught during the autumn migration. The Government is thus admitting that there is an alternative solution in autumn when the numbers caught are much larger.

AD said it reiterates that it is completely against the spring shooting as the EU Birds Directive and the European Court of Justice Decision so clearly state. AD also deplores the immoral acts by Government, as much as it deplores the irresponsible decisions the financial implications of which will be borne by the electorate.

Permalink: Dr Gonzi ‘hunting’ for votes – immoral and irresponsible – AD