Poisoned birds

Putting hunters in a bad light was my reaction to the various anti-hunting letters published during the hunting season in this paper. I started my letter with condemning those that didn't respect the laws to the detriment of the law-abiding majority. I also voiced my anger at foreigners who write against legal hunting in Malta when this same hobby is pursued in their own country. That is my opinion and I stick to it. I also wrote that wildlife crime occurs worldwide, but still this isn't an excuse for anyone to break the law here.

I meant my contribution to be a one-off letter, but unfortunately Wylie Cunningham's letter cannot go unanswered. I am not going to be personal as he was, but irrespective of the hunting issue, I feel offended when he states "there are two categories of membership within the EU - those who matter and those that don't". In his opinion Malta forms part of the latter group. Does Mr Cunningham consider Maltese nationals second class citizens?

As to Julie Sapiano's remarks that she has never heard about eagles, kites and falcons being poisoned in her country, I can only say that this is very strange coming from a person who claims to "speak up in defence of the birds that are being slaughtered". I suggest that if she doubts what I wrote she can check for herself on the RSPB's website. She can also run a Google search for "golden eagles poisoned", "red kites poisoned" or "hen harrier nests destroyed". Hopefully she won't doubt her eyes as well! Again I would like to stress that this doesn't excuse anyone breaking the law here.