Shooting in Malta and Britain

Bill Andrews (Royals And Shooting, March11) might be surprised to learn that here in Malta shooting is also carried out on "privately owned estates". Unfortunately local estates, unlike those in the UK, are not measured in acres but in square inches, consequently their small size excludes the possibility of the public being at any great distance from where the sport is practised.

As for his reference to "strictly controlled conditions", can he honestly state that no illegalities occur in the UK? If he has any doubt I can forward ample proof to discredit his claim. The recent shooting of two harriers allegedly by Prince Harry should illuminate him.

Mr Andrews seems to think that the game shot here in Malta ends up "stuffed in a display case" and here again he shows his total incompetence, since all game birds end up on the dinner table.

It might surprise him to learn that taxidermy, though totally legal in the UK, has been made illegal in Malta and no birds can now legally be "stuffed". As for his reference to a driver being seen "to suddenly stop his car in the middle of the road, in Britain, to fire at a protected bird flying overhead", shooting protected birds is equally punishable here in Malta.

However, British law permits the shooting from country roads provided the shot is not directed across the road. This same law in Malta provides greater safety to the public since shooting off the road is not permissible since the hunter has to be within the confines of his land and not on the road.

Mr Andrews seems intent on teaching Maltese hunters the do's and don'ts of hunting yet he seems to ignore the fact that Malta is not the UK. Hunting here in Malta with all its particular characteristics has been an accepted part of country life long before the arrival of people sharing his ideals. It is high time he adapts himself to our way of life.