Following the publication of Legal Notice 83 of 2011 in the Government Gazette issue of Friday, the 11th of March 2011 (1), Alternattiva Demokratika has said that it strongly opposes the government for the position taken in favour of the unsustainable practice of spring hunting.

Simon Galea, Spokesperson for Agriculture & Animal Welfare, said, “as a member of the EU, it is Malta’s responsibility to abide with its legal obligations. Our Prime Minister insists in pleasing the hunting lobby at all costs irrespective of the warning issued by the Commission.”

“Apart from going against the Birds Directive and risking hefty fines imposed by the EU, spring hunting will negatively affect the Turtle Dove and Quail populations on their way to breed. Experience taught us that permitting hunting during this period also results in the indiscriminate slaughter of migratory birds of prey such as Marsh Harriers.”

Chairperson Michael Briguglio added, “it is unacceptable that the Nationalist Government is putting its narrow electoral interests before the environment. Unfortunately,”

“Labour’s approach towards hunting is no different, as both parties do their utmost to serve the hunting lobby. If elected in parliament, AD will give priority to the full conformity to the Birds Directive, thus pushing for the banning of spring hunting.”

Permalink: Hunting – AD speaks out against spring hunting permit