Uncivilised sport (1)

I am appalled by the reports of the indiscriminate slaughter of migratory birds in Malta. It is difficult to understand such behaviour in this day and age, where every week brings news of the destruction of more wildlife and more habitat.

Here in California, the shooting of raptors came to a halt 40 years ago because firm steps were taken to outlaw it and to educate the public about the value of these birds. Surely, nearly half a century later, Malta could fall in line with the rest of the civilised world when it comes to attitudes towards natural resources. It would seem that the relatively few people who insist on giving Malta a black eye worldwide are incredibly selfish in their persistence to destroy wildlife that is not theirs; after all, these birds come from countries to the north, where they are likely treasured by people who have long ago set aside their mediaeval attitudes.