Kaccaturi San Ubertu (KSU), in a statement has condemned what it refers to as the “alarmist and extremist” statement by Birdlife Malta on wild rabbit hunting.

KSU said that it also “unreservedly condemns the way in which all forms of hunting, or their regulating, is infallibly criticised by Birdlife Malta with the usual misinformation and arrogance against the government and the enforcement authorities in line with its aim to abolish hunting from Malta.”

It argued that “contrary to Birdlife Malta’s false allegation wild rabbit hunting is practised in Malta from June until the end of December. The recent amendments to regulations made absolutely no change in the dates such hunting is permitted.”

KSU added that, “wild rabbit has been considered as game no less than other hunted game species.” It pointed that “the ludicrous restrictions removed by new legislation were namely the obligation on the licensee to provide a site plan where rabbit is to be hunted and training rabbit hunting dogs on a leash.”

It accused BirdLife Malta of “disrespect to private property, since unlike their trespassing, hunters still need to get permission to hunt wild rabbit from the owner of any property unless they do not own or lease it.”

“Hunting in all areas were where entry is permitted to any licensed hunter is now also rightfully unrestricted to the rabbit hunter,” stated KSU.

KSU concluded by commending the change in legislation, which it said, ” has removed senseless Birdlife Malta restrictions aimed at restricting traditional rabbit hunting.”

Photograph: Kaccaturi San Ubertu

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