Carmel Cacopardo, Deputy Chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party and its spokesman on Sustainable Development and Home Affairs said in a statement that when “Government led by the PN permits trapping year in year out it is being irresponsible. When Malta signed the treaty of adhesion to the EU it committed itself to phase out trapping in the Maltese islands.

“During these eight years Government wasted its time and did not take any concrete measure to solve the issue of trapping, in the interest of both trappers themselves and the population at large.”

Cacopardo pointed out that on 27th February 2012 the European Commission had emphasised the need that Malta enhances the protection of birds migrating through malta in autumn. Commissioner Potocnik had issued a reasoned opinion in which he admonished Malta to implement properly bird protection legislation. He also warned Government that the matter could be referred to the European Court of Justice should n reply be submitted.

“In view of this Government’s decision to issue regulations permitting trapping of the Song Thrush (malvizz) and the Golden Plover (pluviera) is irresponsible as government is playing a political game with the trappers,” Cacopardo said.

AD-The Green party said it “condemns the actions of a government led by the PN and supports Birdlife Malta for the serious way it has conducted itself.”

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson stated, “It is condemnable how both the PN and the PL try to dance to the tune of the hunters’ and trappers organisations when Malta’s entry into the EU had to bring about changes enhancing the protection of birds. AD is the only political party contesting the general election which has a clear policy on the rights and protection of animals.”

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