Trapping licence moratorium to be challenged in court

A rally by the Federation for Hunting and Conservation drew hundreds of bird hunters to the amphitheatre in Ta' Qali yesterday, many of them waving banners saying "No to EU".

During the animated rally, FKNK president Joe Buttigieg reiterated that the federation would not be issuing any directive to its members on how to vote in the upcoming referendum.

However, his comment was received with such loud jeers and protests from the crowd, which wanted the FKNK to take a stand against membership, that Mr Buttigieg stood up and shouted: "Do we need to spoon-feed you on how to vote? Can't you understand what we are trying to tell you - do we need to spell it out?"

While insisting that the federation did not wish to politicise the issue, in the same breath he pointed out that if the Labour Party was voted to power it would allow the situation to revert to that of June 2002 when there were none of the restrictions being imposed by the EU's Bird Directive.

The rally was held by the federation to inform its members on what the package negotiated by the government with the EU involved.

"We are the only ones who can tell you the truth on how EU membership will affect hunting and trapping," Mr Buttigieg said.

"The present government had assured us that nothing will change and that if changes were implemented they would be for the better - but this is not the case," he said.

Federation secretary Lino Farrugia delved into how the present rules and regulations were being changed to accommodate the EU.

"Another slap in the face has been the five-year-moratorium on trapping licences. Citizens have been stripped of their right to apply for a trapping licence," he said as a hunting dog interrupted his speech and pranced onto the stage.

"See, even the dog is protesting," Mr Farrugia laughed.

Mr Buttigieg said the federation would be taking legal action against the government claiming the moratorium on trapping licences was in breach of human rights.

Mr Farrugia explained to those present the restrictions introduced on hunting at sea through the Bird Directive, such as capping speed at sea to under 18 kilometres per hour.

Those present voiced their disapproval of EU membership.

Many donned hunting gear and others sported electronic bird callers, which are illegal to use during hunting.

Others went a step further. A hunter had his car camouflaged with trapping nets and stuffed ducks stuck on the bonnet. He even painted the words "Verheugen no, hunting yes" on the back of the car.