Malta, EU and hunting - the facts and a possible solution

In view of the current controversy on spring hunting and hunting in general, I feel that readers, correspondents and the public need to be reminded on what information with regard to hunting was readily available to hunters and the electorate prior to EU membership.

Judging from the numerous letters appearing in The Sunday Times, correspondents either never bothered to read the information in the MIC fact sheet reproduced alongside or conveniently twisted the printed facts to suit their fancy.

As stated in this fact sheet:

"On Tuesday, October, 1, 2002, Malta closed negotiations on the vast and sensitive area of the environment. This information note explains the results of negotiations on hunting and trapping.

This clearly shows the government's commitment to hunters by negotiating the issue with the EU and the fact sheet explains what the EU agreed to. Judging from these facts there should be no doubt in anyone's mind about the implementation of this agreement or the government's commitment towards hunters and trappers.

However, the current situation is pathetic, to say the least. On one hand we have the government that promised its commitment in writing to all hunters, and is doing its utmost to maintain these promises. The Opposition states that Government is lying to the electorate but even when confronted has not stated its policy either verbally or in writing.

Alternattiva Demokratika claims that they have always said the truth to hunters, when we all know all that they ever preach is a total ban - so much for the demokratika in their name. And to top it all a birding society headed by a Turk whose love of feathers equals mine for Turkish delight.

It is high time that political parties of stature without any interference from some pressure group take up the issue seriously and agree about a common policy. I am not stating that the issue should be politicised, even though well over 25,000 votes look tempting. But because the majority of hunters are law-abiding citizens who seek their rights as all other citizens do, not only in Europe but also worldwide.

We would gladly rid ourselves of the few irresponsible thugs within our numbers and hopefully soon will. It is in our interest to be responsible, as this is the main requirement for our sport. We cannot and will not accept this element within our numbers but unfortunately the current system of getting a gun license permits any such characters to own a gun and call themselves hunters. But whenever hunting associations have tried to suggest a solution they were always ignored.

Unfortunately such undesirables exist in all walks of life. Football has its hooligans, driving has its reckless drivers, but one never reads of banning football or driving because of this element. Yet hunting seems to be the only thing people want banned.

A solution cannot be found by Government sending a known anti-hunting activist to negotiate hunting with the EU nor can we sit around tables to discuss hunting issues on a committee, set up by the same anti-hunting activist, whose members know absolutely nothing about the subject and migrate more than the birds over Malta. Nor can the matter be discussed with members of a society that wants to abolish hunting.

Both major political parties agree that hunting is a part of Maltese life (not in the case of Alternattiva Demokratika); some politicians from both these parties, whom we all know are keen hunters but, surprisingly, they never figure publicly in any discussions nor do they bother to try to find a solution. Within their numbers they could easily pinpoint responsible hunters who could be offering advice without prejudice within a purposely set up committee.

The aim here would be to discuss current shortcomings, come up with a sensible set of rules and regulations, laws which take into consideration the importance of environment and bird protection (with an ornithological society able to accept hunting) and a common policy agreeable to both parties.

Only then would it be possible to reach an acceptable equilibrium. I can assure readers, even those who persistently condemn and ridicule our pastime, that no one more than the true hunter wants an acceptable situation locally.

Mr Mifsud Bonnici is secretary of the Kaccaturi San Ubertu.