Hunters' federation asks President to intervene

Hunters and trappers yesterday called on President Eddie Fenech Adami to intervene personally in a bid to save their hobbies, especially in spring.

In a resolution approved at a mass rally in Rabat, the hunters and trappers noted that Dr Fenech Adami was Prime Minister in 2003, when he signed Malta's Accession Treaty with the European Union, which included 77 special arrangements on several issues, including one on spring hunting. He should intervene now because the special arrangement he struck on hunting and trapping is not being respected by the EU and the European Commission has even initiated legal proceedings against Malta at the European Courts of Justice, the resolution said.

Addressing several hundred hunters and trappers, their families and their dogs, Joe Perici Calascione, PRO of the Hunters, Trappers and Conservationists' Federation, (FKNK), said the call on the President to intervene was aimed at ensuring that their hobby is not abolished. He rebutted claims that the FKNK is anti-Europe but added that the federation was against what was negotiated with the EU.

Federation secretary general Lino Farrugia repeated what he said at a mass rally in Gozo on Saturday, that he would not advise hunters and trappers to abide by the law if the spring hunting season is stopped. Spring hunting may well become history if the European Court of Justice rules against it.

Mr Farrugia listed people who the hunters should deem as traitors, adding that the government had appointed people who "hated" hunting and hunters to advise the government on a way forward. The abolition of spring hunting was just the first step towards a complete ban of hunting and trapping in Malta and Gozo. European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas wanted to use Malta as an example.

Many of those attending the mass rally wore typical camouflage tops and jackets and others donned the official FKNK T-shirt with the words Hunting Is My Life printed on it. Others held placards threatening to use their votes against those who are not protecting the interests of hunters and trappers.

Mr Farrugia said the FKNK received a letter from Labour European Parliamentarian John Attard Montalto assuring them that he would help them throughout the case and even offered them legal advice.

With regard to the banning of spring hunting, Mr Farrugia said this was not a tax that people would get used to but something that would remain there. "I have always been the first to tell you to abide by the laws. But if spring hunting does not open again I will not say this anymore," he said, to applause.

FKNK President Joe Buttigieg said the Malta Labour Party gave hunters written declarations, promising to protect their hobby. He called on hunters to vote for those candidates in favour of hunting and trapping and whose party is prepared to help them. "We have been asked why we are not holding protests. Our biggest protest will take place on March 8," he said to the cheering crowd.