Alternattiva Demokratika has slammed the Ornis Chairman for proposing a spring hunting period with regard to the hunting and trapping of the Turtle Dove (gamiem) and Quail (summien). Ad said that such proposals are government motivated.

Michael Briguglio, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika whilst reaffirming his party’s consistent stand against spring hunting said: “It is evident that the Ornis Committee is simply following the Nationalist Government’s aim to appease the hunting lobby. Labour has a similar position. Both PN and PL should clearly and unequivocally declare if they agree that hunting should be stopped in spring, as clearly stated in the Birds Directive and as demanded by AD, Birdlife and Environmental NGOs. AD fully supports Birdlife’s call for the resignation of the Ornis Chairman Mr Louis Cilia and considers referring the matter to EU Environment Commissioner for is intervention to ensure that Malta is brought in line with the Bird Directive obligations.”

Simon Galea, AD spokesperson for Agriculture and Animal Welfare added:” Following the comments made by the EU Environment Commissioner that there was no room for relaxing the restrictions imposed on the spring hunting season of 2011, AD is deeply concerned by this Government’s intervention to ridicule the EU Environment Commissioner by suggesting more lax measures for spring hunting and trapping. AD is also concerned about the financial and political repercussions on Malta if such proposals are approved; pointing out that Government might have to fork out millions of Euros in fines for contravening E.U. directives at a time when it is reducing funds available for social and educational needs.”

“It appears that PN in Government is more intent to hold on to power than anything else. Unfortunately, if the government in order to gain the votes of a few thousand hunters, approves and acts on the recommendations of the Ornis Chairman, it would be trampling over the feelings of the majority of the population who are being deprived of the right to enjoy the natural beauty of these magnificent creatures honouring our islands with their visits on their migrating flight southwards during the mating season.”

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