Spring Hunting Out (SHout) spokespersons were in Valletta today, one week ahead of the historic spring hunting referendum, to encourage people to vote ‘No’ next Saturday.

SHout Spokesperson Mark Sultana highlighted the importance of the referendum for Maltese democracy, saying, “This is our third national referendum in eleven years, but the first that is taking place because over 41,000 Maltese and Gozitans have called for it by signing a petition to remove an existing law. They have done this because they know that together, we can bring about change.”

In order for the referendum to be successful over 50% of voters must turn out to vote on the day. Mark said, “This referendum is all about creating a better future for our country, for nature, for our future generations. We are encouraged by the large number of people who have expressed their intention to go out and vote in the referendum and the thousands who have collected their voting documents in recent days. Anyone who has yet to do so must now collect their vote from Naxxar, and not from Valletta.”

Mark Sultana emphasised the importance of a ‘No’ vote for birds because Malta remains the only country in Europe to kill turtle dove and quail on their migration north to breed.

He said, “At Easter time our thoughts turn to new life and to new growth. The birds passing over Malta are on their way north to breed, to lay eggs and raise their young. Let’s not forget that 190,000 eggs are never laid each year due to spring hunting in Malta.”

Mark added,”We have the chance now to protect these birds, and to protect our countryside. We can promise you one thing – that if spring hunting is banned, we will see more birds living and breeding here on our islands. In 2008 and 2009, when spring hunting was suspended we saw beautiful birds return to raise their young here – swallows, swifts, kestrels and bee-eaters.”

SHout Spokesperson Moira Delia commented on the importance of a ‘No’ vote for Maltese families and what a countryside without spring hunting would be like.

Moira said, “Everyone knows what the reality of spring hunting is like. It is horrible, cruel and retrograde. For the sake of future generations, it is very important that we all vote ‘No’.”

Summarising the positive reasons to vote ‘No’ Moira said, “This referendum is happening so that people can change our country themselves. A ‘No’ vote will stop hunters from killing breeding birds, and stop the massacre of migrating and protected birds. A ‘No’ vote will give the countryside back to the Maltese and Gozitans , and it will finally bring Malta in line with the rest of Europe.”

Reponding to “the lies and misinformation spread by the IVA campaign during the referendum,” Mark Sultana said, “It is not true that spring hunting is tolerated in spring in Europe. In fact, Malta is different because it allows the killing of migrating birds in spring.”

SHout Spokesperson Saviour Balzan concluded by saying that there had been “a lot of scaremongering about the threat to other hobbies.” Saviour said, “I make special reference to band clubs, fireworks enthusiasts, fishing enthusiasts, traditional gun hobbyists, racing pigeon fanciers. It is simply untrue that they will be next.”

Saviour added, “The referendum law has been with us for decades and what is happening today is because of what hunting has done to breeding birds in Spring, nothing less and nothing more.”

As the campaign enters its final week, Saviour thanked both Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and PN leader Simon Busuttil for the position they have taken. Saviour said, “They decided as leaders to leave the voters free to vote as they wished. This showed political maturity.”

Concluding the press conference, Mark Sultana said: “We heard this week that if there is a successful ‘No’ vote, there would be an attempt by the hunters to fight the decision. This is an incredible declaration and we understand that none of the political leaders agree with this statement.”

“We urge you all, take this opportunity to make a positive decision for the future of birds, our countryside and our country. Next Saturday, vote ‘no’.”

Animal NGOS Four animal NGOs, SPCA Malta, Island Sanctuary, AAA and Noah’s Ark have joined together to issue an appeal in a joint statement to anyone who loves animals in Malta and Gozo, to vote in favour of life in referendum on spring hunting.

These four NGOs between them care for about 1000 dogs and cats, the said and they are cared for on a daily basis, keeping them off the streets, as well as helping find them new homes,

“We issue an appeal to anyone in the Maltese Islands loves animals to vote NO in the referendum on the spring hunting. We believe that our passion and love for animals is not limited to those on four legs, but also for all animals that need our protection. In fact a report by the Wild Birds Regulation Unit shows that numbers of quail and doves are at the lowest level ever recorded in Europe.

According to this report, the number of doves fell by 3% over 2012, a decrease of 77% in the European population of this species since 1980. Therefore there is no doubt that it does not make sense the doves and quail are killed on their way to breed.”

“Although we give shelter to many dogs and cats that were abandoned by individuals, we know as a fact that the majority of Maltese are animal lovers. We therefore appealing to anyone who loves animals to choose life and vote NO,” the statement said.

“We believe that anyone who loves animals has the obligation to comply with those (animals) which can not arise and defend themselves because they do not vote. But we should vote and we will therefore vote on behalf of the animals who can not vote, and that their life depends on our choice and vote! Those of us who love animals have a greater responsibility, ” the NGOs concluded.

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