Mark Micallef
Hunters held as birds flock in
Several hunters and trappers have been arrested as a big wave of migrating birds flew in during what would have been the start of the spring hunting season.
Police sources told The Times that about 10 arrests were made on Monday when scores of hunters and trappers took to the countryside, despite the season having remained closed.
"There was a record surge of birds on Monday, which, coupled with the good weather, drew a large number of hunters to the countryside," a police source said.
"The (police) Administrative Law Enforcement unit and the district police held about 10 people," the source added.
Another source described the situation as "very serious" although he did not go so far as BirdLife did when it described the situation as "mayhem and anarchy".
Tension among the hunting community is running high as the European Court of Justice deliberates on whether to issue interim measures banning spring hunting until a case initiated by the European Commission against the government over the spring season is heard.
Pending the initial ruling, the government has said it will not decide on whether it will open this year's season - which, going by last year's date, should have started this week.
Hunters' federation PRO Joe Perici Calascione confirmed when contacted that a number of hunters had gone out hunting, commenting on the cruel irony that migration started early now that the season was closed.
"Our position on illegal hunting of protected birds is very clear.
"We condemn it but at this stage I will not comment nor condemn those who are going out hunting, even if it is true," he said, insisting that the banning of spring hunting on quail and turtle dove would be a grave injustice to hunters. "Before we joined the EU we agreed to restrict hunting of quail and turtle dove in spring as long as we retained the season.
"We were given two guarantees to this effect, one before the EU referendum and the other before the 2003 election by the then prime minister Eddie Fenech Adami.
"So now, I'm sorry we cannot accept that this tradition that we all grew up in is taken away from us."
Over the weekend, four men aged between 17 and 25 were arraigned for forwarding anonymous messages calling on hunters to meet on Sunday for a violent protest.
The police pre-empted the demonstration, due to have been held on the same day of the arraignments, warning that it would be illegal to take part in such an activity. Nobody turned up.
BirdLife Malta highlighted the level of illegal hunting activity it says is going on.
"So far, over the last two days our teams in different locations have counted more than 1,050 shots," BLM conservation manager André Raine said. "Delimara was a particularly bad area, with 486 shots counted over a four-hour period on Monday morning alone."
The observations made so far suggest that it is not simply a handful of poachers breaking the law but rather that there are a good number of hunters actively shooting in the countryside "as if this is simply another open season," Mr Raine said.
"How can the government claim that they can control spring hunting when they have absolutely no control over illegal hunting?"
62 Comments
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Kenneth Cassar
Apr 29th 2008, 08:07
Dear Mr Sammut Dacoutros,
Correction: The government did not get an agreement with the EU on hunting. The government SAID it got an agreement. One word makes the whole difference. If this is not the case, prove it. I have challenged anyone to provide an EU document where the EU guaranteed spring hunting. I'm still waiting.
As for eating non-human animals, no, we should not. You will find reasons for this on my blog www.animalrightsmalta.blogspot.com
As for slander, you probably were not speaking about my blog, but just in case you were, you may leave a comment on the blog to let me know.
Ian Sammut Dacoutros
Apr 28th 2008, 16:22
I must say that I really would like to thank God we all live in Malta - we seriously have nothing better to argue about rather than hunting and how the PN duped or not the people etc...
I am not a hunter though I have several 'outdoor' hobbies, and not one of them is so heartfelt as to cause all this commotion about!
The Nationalist party and then Govt did get the agreement with the EU regarding hunting, it is the European court (a higher institution) which is blocking!!! How was the Govt supposed to defend that and secondly it is thanks to birdlife that it has reached this level of national dilemma!!!
Personally I am against hunting and while this is my opinion I can not say that the solution to bird numbers is to ban hunting in general! Extremism is wrong, control, legislation and common sense should always prevail!
Though what I feel is even worse is the fact that this hunting issue has been blown out of proportion to the point where we now have people linking hunting to abortion!!! For heavens sake!!!
I hate extremism on either end of the stick, I ask bird life whether they have ever had a piece of roast chicken (mmmm) and that is a BIRD are we supposed to stop eating chicken, eggs, etc... and on the other hand I ask the hunters to go back to recent history late 17th century to be exact when a fairly common bird was made extinct - the dodo!!!
Either way what is needed are proper measures so that it is controlled this coupled with a clamp down on the illegal hunting!! We live in Malta people, everyone knows everyone or can get to know them, is it possible that the blatant disregard to rules will make everyone suffer. These illegal hunters need to be stopped!!!
Freedom is a very fragile thing and unfortunately we take it for granted, then when it is taken away we realise what we had and did not look after it - lets not all be DODO's and start making some sense. Name calling, and writing posts in blogs that verge on slander is not the solution!!
R.Spagnol
Apr 24th 2008, 19:33
Yes I simply admire vegetarians for their determination of not consuming part of another animal. The point is that I do not come out and say that vegetarians are a condemned or crazy bunch of people. I Know what respect, tolerance and democracy really are and that is why I suggest a balance between the hunting lobby and all those interested in the countryside.
Mr.Dion Borg playing with figures of speech will get us nowhere. Let's concentrate on facts and eliminate any personal black characteristics from your behalf. It would be more comfortable to discuss if you will not act as if hunters are some sort of monsters. If such brainwashing is incurable let's just relax and get on with this total statal parody!!!!
Dion Borg
Apr 24th 2008, 10:59
Mr. Spagnol, pls clarify whether you actually tolerate or admire vegetarians - guess there's a slight difference!
Moreover it is peculiar what veggies are doing (or rather not doing) that needs toleration!
If veggies are to be 'tolerated' , I just wonder what term we should use for hunters!
M. SAID
Apr 23rd 2008, 11:12
To V. Pace,
Could you pls tell me what type of birds did you hear singing in the morning besides sparrows, some pigeons and maybe a cockerel or two? Or did you hear some canaries or budgies? Pls stop trying to make people with litle knowledge about birds think that Malta will be full of birds without hunting. How many turtle doves remained from the thousands that flew over Malta?? how many honey buzzard from the 7 I saw 2 days ago are still here?? NONE!!! and not cos they are dead but cos they continued their migration route to Europe as here is just a passage route. So for goodness sake be realistic in your posts.
P.S the most 2 common permanent birds in Malta are the sparrow and the blue rock thrush and hunters don't shoot them for sure.
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 23rd 2008, 07:16
Caught in your trap, Mr Spagnol? Hardly so. I have always been an outspoken campaigner for the abolition of all animal abuse, which of course includes hunting. Of course, animal abusers will always call me extremist.
You ask me to learn some "values about tolerance". You will appreciate that all I am doing is voicing my own opinion. I have never burned or destroyed any cars, uprooted any trees, shot people in the face, defaced monuments and temples, etc. So please, don't try to teach me tolerance.
You say that I don't try to seek a balance. Well, in questions of morality and violation of rights, seeking a "balance" is immoral and unjust. Would you suggest that human rights campaigners should seek a balance, and, for instance, should allow women to be beaten up only once a week instead of every day? No, dear Mr Spagnol. There should be no compromise on murder.
You say that I work "for the damage of people" around me. How so? I only explain my views with rational arguments. If my arguments don't make sense, they will have no effect, and so I harm no one. If, on the other hand, my arguments make sense, then that means that I am right, and this would make the claim that I am "damaging people" nonsense. After all, if it is established that theft is wrong (for instance), it is useless and illogical of thieves to complain that people campaigning against theft are "damaging them".
Finally you say that "extremists" like me must think about my positions, as they are being considered by "fools". So much the better. The greatest fool is the one who does not even wish to learn.
As for rejecting Birdlife's "lie" about there being no proper alternative to spring hunting, yes, honesty is always the best policy. That said, being the "extremist" that I supposedly am, I will admit that I could be wrong, and stand to be corrected if that is the case.
R.Spagnol
Apr 22nd 2008, 19:56
Finally you have been caught into my trap dear Mr.Cassar!
You have just admitted your purposes of banning hunting and your incapability to control or bear your extremism. I suggest to you that before condemning people due to their native traditions, you should learn some values about tolerance. Please make a favour for the Maltese society and try to resist your obstinate opinions about cultural traditions, part of the social life of quite a large number of Maltese. You don't even try to seek a balance; instead you work for the damage of people around you. Extremists like you must think about their positions as they are being considered by fools, even by the true bird-lovers.
As you may quote modern mentalities you must seek to discover the beauty in the recreation of others and the satisfaction derived from respecting other citizens. After all, thanks for rejecting Birdlife's lie about there isn't an alternative hunting period for spring hunting!
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 22nd 2008, 08:54
Dear R. Spagnol, I'm not escaping from facts. It's just that your facts do not concern me, since for me, each individual animal counts.
You can't believe how I can wish everyone to go vegetarian (actually vegan would be better). What's the problem with that?
You mention dental formation, which is best suited for omnivores (choice) and not carnivores. But anyway, this is besides the point. Men are generally stronger than women, but that is no reason to subdue women to men. Just because one can, does not mean one should. Unfortunately I doubt that you will understand, and I would guess I am wasting my time with you.
You can laugh at "veggies" all you like, that is if you would laugh at people like Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, Coretta Scott King, Jean Jacques Russeau,
Mohandas Gandhi, Plutarch, Pythagoras, Ralph Waldo Emerson...need I go on?
You say you see it impossible to go on without devouring meat products. That only goes to show that you have no idea on vegetarianism or the world outside your small circle.
Regarding there being no alternative to spring hunting, you might wish to note that this is actually why I support a ban on spring hunting. If there was an alternative, which would make the same amount of birds get killed anyway (in another season), I would not support the ban, since it would be no ban at all. Of course, I know that this is not the way the EU thinks, but again, you will by now (hopefully) have noted that the EU is not pro-animal rights.
You say that those like me should reveal our agenda of prohibiting hunting. My agenda is no secret. There is nothing for me to reveal. You say that this is against social tolerance. I say that this is for the protection of each individual non-human animal. No, unnecessary violence and killing of sentient beings should not be tolerated. Of course, I only state my case by legal means. The rest is up to those who read what I write.
As for your last sentence, being: "It sounds unfamiliar how you are working against the killing of breeding parents and then would tolerate the shooting of the newborns!!!", I'm sorry to say that you are either speaking nonsense, or else are intentionally lying about me or misrepresenting what I say. Where have I claimed that we should tolerate the "shooting of newborns"?
R.Spagnol
Apr 21st 2008, 19:47
Again, K.Cassar is performing the usual escape from facts.
First of all I can't believe how a person like you wish to turn all the people into vegetarians. You can't even accept that even the dental formation of the human is created in such way to consume meat. I must not enter the discussion of veggies since although I may laugh at them I prefer to tolerate them. In some way or another I admire vegetarian friends as I see it impossible to go on without devouring meat products.
The leading argument that you don't seem to accept is here Mr.Cassar - the fact that there is no alternative solution for Spring hunting. Those like you should reveal their agenda of prohibiting hunting and as you surely may know, this is against social tolerance. It sounds unfamiliar how you are working against the killing of breeding parents and then would tolerate the shooting of the newborns!!!
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 20th 2008, 07:45
R.Spagnol, please note:
1. The reason why the EU wants to ban spring hunting in Malta is not my concern. That's up to you to fight against. I personally think that yours is a lost cause, but if you want to think otherwise, suit yourself.
2. You say that my mention of bull-fighting makes my article irrelevant. Which article exactly? And how so? So the EU subsidizes bull-fighting. This actually proves my claim that the EU does not care about animal rights. Where am I being contradictory. I would suggest you read what I write before replying.
3. I don't particularly "love" non-human animals. I only respect and defend their rights. But as a person of my integrity I cannot disassociate myself from the reality of EU membership with all its positive and negative aspects. Should I also disassociate myself from my family and friends as well, since, realistically speaking, I cannot expect all of them to live their lives without killing (or having killed) any animals. My family and friends are not all vegan. Being the realistic person that I am, I will continue speaking up for animal rights without disassociating myself from anyone. Is the EU hypocritical? On some issues, it certainly is, but so are most humans. To name one example, most people claim to love animals, and yet have them unnecessarily killed to be eaten. Should I befriend only vegans then? I think not, and in any case, this is none of anyone's business.
4. The reality, and one reality you cannot deny, is that hunting necessarily kills birds. You are free to campaign against abortion if you like. If the EU is hypocritical in this case (which is debatable), that does not mean that I am. If you think I am, I challenge you to explain how so.
R.Spagnol
Apr 19th 2008, 15:52
I must admit that Borg Cardona's description of comic writing is true. Dear K.Cassar you might be looking only up to the tip of your nose because the EU have never gave a reason why it is imposing such harsh measure on Maltese hunters and still do nothing about the abundant hunting in other European countries on the same species and also in Spring. That is because, the EU wants to turn Maltese hunting into a profit-activity where you have to pay in order to hunt. You have mentioned the best example of bull-fighting that eventually contributed to total irrelevance of your article. In fact the EU is first in line to subsidise bull-fighting and on the other hand danying Maltese people from their native rights. Therefore a person of your integrity who truly shows his love for animals must express his disassociation whith a hypocrite organisation as the EU who all that matters is money-making.
The global fact is that the EU is safeguarding birds killed by yes, a mean of sustainable hunting, while pushing the murder of innocent babies destined to be born. Although turtle doves will be going to breed after migration they will never be the same as the the aborted baby denied from living. As long as spring hunting is sustainable it should be completely supported. We have to stop avoiding facts and face reality. Everyting is written on black and white.
R.Spagnol
Apr 19th 2008, 15:24
First of all I wish to excuse myself for my misunderstanding of Mr.Borg Cardona's statement. At first glance it seemed that he was mocking hunters at their present situation like the many others who seem to have a full-time job damaging the hunters' reputation.
Reagarding the issue raised by Fabian Borg, he is surely expressing his lack of knowledge about what a hunter thinks. It is true that many "hunters" prefer the party before their hobby but before starting to generalise one have to see what are the true interest of such individual. I recall Dr.Gonzi's speech about not the hobby but employment. But those claiming to be hunters and still have chosen PN, surely did not express their faith in the party but only their desire to see their party govern. In a way, I may be tempted to feel pleased for what happened to them but when I continuosly meet Nationalist hunters who admit of not voting my mind turns back to realty.
Believe me, those true hunters and trappers have thought about it many times what shall they do with their vote. Those who acted well for the benefit of their hobby are the majority. Unfortunately at this stage this same majority is suffering with the obstinate, close-minded rest. So it is unnecessary at this point to generalise hunters and trappers in the same bundle.
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 19th 2008, 14:47
Dear David Borg Cardona, glad to be of service. I'm also glad to note that you are also providing us with plenty of amusement yourself. So thanks goes to you as well. You say that I have many a time gone overboard in my writings and at times have gone totally astray from the argument and many a time also my writngs have proven to be laden with extremism to say the least. I would appreciate it if, when making such sweeping statements, you substantiate them with facts (how about some quotes). Otherwise, people will be excused in thinking you are nothing but a big liar. As for the comics comment, I was inclined to reply in some similar way, but I won't, since I can understand your frustration, so, myself not being likewise frustrated, I won't stoop to your level. One thing I certainly won't do, and that is lie just because it serves my agenda. If you think I'm lying, (or ever lied), prove it.
Dear R. Spagnol, I'm not interested in "praising" the EU, who, among other things, even tolerates bull-fighting. But if you haven't noticed yet, the EU is not interested in saving the lives of birds for their own sake. It is only interested in the issue for environmental reasons. So your comment on abortion is irrelevant. Once again, the EU does not care at all about non-human animals' right to life. It is only interested in safeguarding species as common property. This has nothing to do with animal rights. I don't know how to say this more clearly. The EU does not care at all about animal rights (how's this for "praising" the EU?). It's only a lucky coincidence (for me) that banning spring hunting for conservation reasons also means sparing individual birds' lives.
Fabian Borg
Apr 18th 2008, 22:31
Dear R.Spagnol,
I would ask the Nationaist exponent you know:
`How many hunters and trappers were called in the last hours on March 8 and re-assured that PN will fight for their cause and encouraged them to vote ? `
`How many voting documents were handed in by presumably Nationalist supporters to Nationalist exponents (unused votes) ? `
`How many hard core PN supporters who also happen to be hunters are still hoping for the government to take them out of this mess and would never vote Labour ?`
I guess he will know the answers too since he appears to know it all......
The fact that no party openly manifested the stopping of spring hunting was not a deciding factor in the election. Hunters from various parts of Malta have their political beliefs which are unalterable. This does not mean that they love their party more than hunting but they believe that their party can safeguard the tradition in a just manner without twisting facts and deceiving tactics.
David Borg Cardona
Apr 18th 2008, 20:52
R. Spagnol, what is a shame on Maltese democracy and tolerance may I ask ?? I am one of the thousands of hunters who is suffering daily by not being able to practice what was promised to him in peace and quiet. Now what was a shame on democracy and tolerance again ?? Kenneth Cassar has gone many a time overboard in his writings and at times has gone totally astray from the argument and many a time also his writngs have proven to be laden with extremism to say the least. I will reiterate what I said, you are better off reading the comics.
R.Spagnol
Apr 18th 2008, 18:25
Dear K.Cassar,
You may be right but your reply confirmed to all those reading that Maltese people still don't know what had been negotiated. It could also be a lie or a misinterpreation by the PN but still the EU must explain its stands of supporting abortion and then pick up on traditional hunting. You are talented at praising the EU but still you don't recognise that its sole intentions is to get hunting a pastime for those wealthy!
Never mind, it is useless to try and discuss the disadvantages of the EU. Coming back to the hunting issue, the prime minister and the president should honour what they promised/lied about. Even if the decision is not in their own hands, they should make an effort to safeguard the Maltese cultural traditions. But instead they aim against the true responsable hunters who sincerely love their hobby. I understand your position about this issue but you may be mature about this issue and understand that hunting is not just shooting and killing. For hunters, their hobby is part of living and I can't bear how many of those against them are mocking their situation. This clearly shows that such people, even writing here, are enjoying themselves with the suffering of other Maltese people. You might say that hunters enjoy themselves with killing but you have to be one of them to feel what really means this hobby. Messages of this type, such of those by David Borg Cardona are a shame on Maltese democracy and tolerance.
Finally I would like to reply those quoting "drinking your medicine". FKNK made it rather clear of who should not be in government in order to maintain the hunters' rights. Many members obeyed but apparently these were not enough. Eventually the true hunters who love their hobby appropriately are suffering with those pushing the parties more than their important hobbies. I would be more happier if anybody of you commented on how certain hunters are still going on breaking the law without being caught.
To make it better for you how much this is not being considered as a matter of loving birds, I shall quote a Nationalist exponent which I heard about this week. He said:
"The problem is not as big as it might seem - the majority of hunters are mlp followers!"
David Borg Cardona
Apr 18th 2008, 15:27
Kenneth Cassar, keep on writing please, at least until the season remains closed we'll have something amusing to read. Even better then the comics...
J.Pace - In life you get used to certain thorns.. you then become immune to their sting !! ( oops sorry double exclamation marks, I'll surley get reprimanded for using them by our walking English grammar guru )
J Pace
Apr 18th 2008, 11:49
Fabian, I was wondering when you would give us your comments on spring hunting.
Andrew BC, I didn't realise that your well put words can be described 'as vehement attacks'. You must be quite a thorn in someone's side. Make that two - one of them seems to carry your family name.
'hunting and trapping described as a hobby which wasn't doing any harm to anybody.' - you must be joking right? I cannot list all the 'harm' that hunting, especially, can have on many issues because there isn't enough space to write but like J Azzopardi said it is enough to live in an area where lead pellets come down like rain in my terrace, not only continuously startling my 9 month old when they strike against the glass door, but also have to be looked for with a magnifying lens and removed one by one in fear that my curious 9 month old will find one and obviously put it in her mouth!
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 18th 2008, 09:00
David Borg Cardona wrote "What really surprises me is that until a few years ago nobody talked about or even gave an inch of concern about the hunting issue".
You'd be surprised, David. I've been regularly writing on hunting since 1995. Perhaps it's a strange coincidence that my first published letter, which goes back to 10th May 1995, was a letter in reply to Sylvana Borg Darmanin's own letter in reply to Andrew Borg-Cardona ( http://www.animalrightsmalta.com/letters1995.html ).
Joe Galea
Apr 18th 2008, 08:46
To start with, I am no hunter or trapper. I love nature too and I practice it in my own way starting from not throwing rubbish everywhere.
Dear Sylvana and all pro-hunters, the situation you are into now is all your own fault. You knew that the PN lied to you on several occasions and you still voted PN. Now you have to drink your own medicine.
If you are frustrated to stay inside and not hunting I may suggest you start a course in "Granutell". It may slightly relax your frustrations.
To all FALSE Nature Lovers like V. Pace, I don't recall him to write anything about illegal developments like that of JPO in Mistra. This country's laws (or enforcements) have many ways many measures, strong with the weak and weak with the strong. What happened to the illegal supermarket case? What happened to the JPO case? Where are the "Par Idejn Sodi"? (mmm maybe 'Sodi' with the hunters and 'Rotob' with JPO and alikes).
Donna Degaetano
Apr 17th 2008, 22:16
I am refering to the father who is worried that his son might take up other activities like "drugs/corrupt football" if not allowed to go hunting. Why is it that we have to take up hobbies that harm either other beings (like birds) or ourselves (like taking up drugs) when there are so many other interesting things to do out there?
David Borg Cardona
Apr 17th 2008, 22:06
Parole d'oro Sylvana...Twisting of facts and a personal crusade against legal hunters seems to be the norm nowadays, though ABC will surely deny that. You will have my full support - now and always. What really surprises me is that until a few years ago nobody talked about or even gave an inch of concern about the hunting issue. Now we have so called " experts" sprouting from everywhere and all and sundry seem to have an interest in our hobby.Birdlies are just out for confrontation and this fact has been noticed even by members of the public who are neither for or against hunting. Their extemist tactics are reminiscent of certain Greenpeace activities we have witnessed lately. Get the message...
Andrew Gatt
Apr 17th 2008, 16:42
Yeah, lets wait for the grindingly slow and lethargic procedures of the ECJ. After all the fuss and panic and urgency, they sure are taking their own sweet time to decide. Meanwhile, the Spring migration is underway, thousands and thousands of Maltese citizens are in the dark, frustration is sky high, and the best of the season will soon be over.
That's Europe, folks - quick to stamp on the smallest member state - strong with the weak, weak with the strong. Sound familiar??
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 17th 2008, 16:37
Dear R. Spagnol.
Thanks for linking to my blog. You will appreciate that I am all for truth, and yes, the Nationalist government has on several occasions repeated that spring hunting is to be retained.
That said, since we became EU members, the final say in the matter does not rest with the Maltese government or any other political party. The final say rests in the hands of the European Court of Justice.
You will appreciate that, in all my anti-hunting letters and articles, I consistently and truthfully claimed that the matter is out of our hands now that we have become EU members.
Politicians should not make promises they know they cannot keep, and those who believe them without checking the facts do so at their own risk.
R.Spagnol
Apr 17th 2008, 16:23
Those safeguarding the government in this issue are showing how much they do not know of all the situation. If Eddie's promises were irrelevant who did not mind to compile any form of study in order to let the ECJ take automatic actions against Maltese hunters and trappers.
Who was that government lead by people very-well-known against hunting? Who was Prime Minister when people against hunting were sent to the EU to represent the hunting lobby? All this is also confirmed by quotes from newspapers showing personalities boasting that if it was not for them spring hunting is still allowed!
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 17th 2008, 15:33
Dr ABC do you pretend that wearing a cheap T-shirt with 'Yellow Print' gives you some divine right over me?! Scrap it and forget it!~ Yes I will continue championing the cause of LAW-ABIDING HUNTERS while ignoring your bickerings! You might be disappointed to learn that I, and others like me, have become immune to your vehement attacks.
True respectable persons in the legal profession would undoubtedly be expected to comment on the actual facts, i.e. on documentation sent to hunters by the then Prime Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Environment and MIC assuring them that Spring Hunting is to stay. I challenge Dr ABC for an honest opinion on these documents. All other personal attacks will be superfluous and thus ignored.
NO I AM NOT ASHAMED TO SPEAK AND DEFEND THE TRUTH. SHAME ON YOU FOR TWISTING THINGS TO YOUR LIKING!!
Joe Borg
Apr 17th 2008, 14:12
Not being a hunter myself perhaps I don't understand the "need/urge" to hunt. I have a suggestion for all hunters. Drop the shotgun and take up a camera. You will have open season all year round and shoot whatever you like and some very nice pictures to decorate your homes. Moreover when you shoot you leave the bird alive for others to enjoy. That is a win win situation all round.
C Mallia
Apr 17th 2008, 12:59
Dear Mr Gatt. The sentence you mentioned confirms what I have been saying all along. The EU never gave any guarantees to Dr Fenech Adami about spring hunting, so in turn he cannot have given you such guarantees himself. All that sentence says is that the Ornis commitee must provide scientific data to the commission (which I believe was very very late to provide) to enable the COMMISSION to decide about hunting seasons and not Ornis, or FKNK or the Maltese Government within the parameters of EU law, as this document is coming from the commission.
I am sorry Mr Gatt, this is not a derogation, it simply states a scientific study is required. So now you know why all the fuss. This fuss should have started in Spring 2005 and not Spring 2008. Anyway let us all wait for the ECJ now. Time will tell us who is right.
Janica Borg
Apr 17th 2008, 09:06
I am the daughter of Mr. Victor Vella Ex-President of FKNK. Anybody who has been following FKNK from late 80s begininning of 90s knows that my father has always made clear the positions of both parties on hunting and trapping. OBVIOUSLY WITHOUT biasing people on who to vote (eventhough some people wanted to believe it this way). As from early 90s my father had made this situation clear and explained that this will happen if we become EU members. He truly worked for ALL hunters and trappers to enjoy their hobbies but sadly I say that it wasn't much appreciated. Today's situation on hunting is a proof. I surely do not have any consolation words for hunters and trappers cos I know what they are feeling. I believe that there are many other bad things in our country which need to be stopped and amended other than hunting and trapping. It was a hobby which wasn't doing any harm to anybody.
Stefano Cremona
Apr 17th 2008, 07:45
Met a hunter yesterday who is worried sick! Not because he cannot go out to shoot but because his son, who is studying for his A-levels, is extremely sad he cannot enjoy his 'hobby' in between studies.
The father is worried that instead of hunting, his son may take on other activities and i quote 'corrupt football or drugs!'
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 17th 2008, 07:12
Dear John Grima
1. In internet lingo, we call people who intentionally post off-topic comments "trolls". Look it up. I have not expressed any opinion on abortion on this page, and I won't, since I am not a troll.
2. I never did, and don't intend to, enter private land and "invade" private property. So your comment on this in my regard is just a silly allegation, besides being completely off topic.
3. Now how about your own view on illegal hunting for a change.
R.Spagnol
Apr 16th 2008, 23:43
The following may concern those who claim themselves as "bird-lovers" and it is their true love for birds that they want hunting banned with so much force:
http://animalrightsmalta.blogspot.com/2007/05/on-simon-busuttils-defence-of-spring.html
This was one of the links that critices Simon Busuttil for such statement. There were other more reportages about this quote by other newspapers, Birdlife Malta and AD.
R. Spagnol
Apr 16th 2008, 23:36
Even as I read through these posts I realise how the public is misinformed and more alarmingly about how much those against hunting are making things exaggeratively bad. Yes everyone have to agree that hunting out of the parameters is wrong but it’s a well-known fact that FKNK has condemned all law-breaking acts. We have to make it clear that the hunting lobby might be seen forgotten from any EU funding and therefore isn’t so much able to work on extensive campaigns. The thing is that the federation for the Maltese hunters can’t work for responsible hunting and trapping due to the fact that its present missions are to first of all have some sort of seasons. In fact, FKNK’s officials have already promised that as soon as it will settle the latest attacks on its’ members’ pastimes it will concentrate on other conservation projects. Such projects regards self-regulation, sustainable hunting, endemic features in the Maltese countryside and more.
I feel very sorry and a little bit ashamed at the well-known fact that lots of people argument against hunting when they still don’t recognise a flying bird and its song. Instead of excavating new facts and evidence we have people amongst us who tend to tell stupid lies. The pity is that the public out there could not establish the true facts about this cultural tradition. At this present moment I have remembered for example one of the many lies being told about the 50 000 000 birds killed in Malta or else about the bottle-neck migration route. Furthermore Maltese people should be aware that that these campaigns against other local citizens like themselves is being pushed over beyond the limits by several foreigners who, ironically as it may sound, are not concerned about the environmental hazards in their countries and instead come and dictate issues in our islands.
No German would convince me that he will be safeguarding the German migration. Malta is not the only country in the EU bolstering spring hunting and trapping. Maltese conservationists are not second-class citizens. The Government have to protect them like each and every government around Europe.
Andrew Gatt
Apr 16th 2008, 23:17
Dear Mr. Mallia, also on page 41 (just before your quote) there appears:
"Also, the Ornis Committee needs to finalise the collection of data, which will allow for scientifically defined hunting seasons".
This is the whole basis of the argument, facts, not the emotional, sensationalist and exaggerated campaign of misinformation against hunting in Spring. For the taking of quail and turtle dove - something that has been taking place for centuries - Autumn is simply not an alternative, given the meagre migration we experience. And our Spring take falls well within the parameters allowed for by the Birds Directive. Last Monday saw a strong passage of turtle doves, further proof that this is a prolific, non-threatened species, so much so that, like the common quail, it is listed as being a "Least Concern" species by birding orgisations themselves.
The transitional agreement you refer to regards trapping for finches until 2008.
And anyway, why oh why all this fuss NOW?? Malta was aware of this derogation, the MIC was aware of it, the Government was aware of it, the Public was aware of it etc. and ALL voted for it as part of a negotiated package. Certainly Birdlife & Co were aware of it. as they held a press conference way back then bemoaning the concession achieved, and expressing hope that the Government would ensure hunters would only take quail and turtle dove in Spring! Now it's a rabid barrage of slick publicity, expeditions and other sensationalist photo opportunities, carefully timed to have maximum impact.
Mr. Mallia, I hope this post makes you take a step back and have a think. The EU is trashing a special arrangement. Besides what it means to thousands and thousands of your fellow citizens, as a passionate pastime and as a livelihood, what's to stop the EU trashing others?
This is WRONG. The country should unite in sticking to the deal of allowing Spring Hunting to continue, as agreed and enforced as it should be, not the pathetic, resource-starved way we are accustomed to. The country should understand that the great majority of hunters simply want to hunt in peace, within the law, as promised. No more, no less.
Fabian Borg
Apr 16th 2008, 22:53
Dear V.Pace (1st comment deep down),
Can you please enlighten us with the verse (song) of the turtle dove ?
As you may have heard from the news , surely not from your window, the migration on Monday was consisting of Turtle Doves which is Malta`s main game bird and migrates mostly in spring.
For you information the Turtle Dove only calls (generates a verse) while sitting and not during flight. This happens mostly during May when males are courting females. So what were you hearing before the gunshots exactly ??
R.Spagnol
Apr 16th 2008, 22:22
If somebody who cares for truth should like to know, he should visit the FKNK's office any time he wants and he will be provided with all the signed proofs In which Eddie.F.Adami promised that hunting and trapping will improve. And this all in black and white.
If this does not satisfies you well, I suggest the Maltese people to hear again the recordings where the present president assures us for many times that spring hunting will commence. Besided it was Birdlife Malta who a few months ago felt offendd when Simon Busuttil re-confirmed that the spring season '08 was surely going to be opened!!
Pfenech
Apr 16th 2008, 22:15
This is the preparatory report not the negotiated agreement Mr. Mallia. And if this is true then Government should open the season straight away since he would have lied balntly and in writing and it will be payback time.
C Mallia
Apr 16th 2008, 21:06
Dear Andrew Gatt....ma ghandi ebda skop inbella ir-ross bil-labra, but have a look at this:
http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/archives/pdf/key_documents/2003/cmr_mt_final_en.pdf
This is malta preparation of membership, page 41. There it says this:
As regards to protection of birds, a TRANSITIONAL arrangement with intermediate targets have been agreed. Until 2008 Malta will be allowed to use clap-nets to capture seven finch species in order to establish a captive breeding system.
So there you go. No SPECIAL arrangement about spring hunting is mentioned here and nowhere else from the eu institutions. I challenge you to find me something about spring hunting derogation coming from eu documents.
mark tanti
Apr 16th 2008, 20:57
Everyone please be careful. Presently out there in our country side the situation is much more serious than anyone might be thinking.On one side we have the hunters who are very unhappy with the situation (I do not blame them) on the other side we have Bird Life ongoing with the bird watching activity Everyone must be careful and prudent in his comments. The situation is to be calmed down and not escalated. The decision from the ECJ is going to take too long to be given. The decision by the local authorities should not take any longer to be taken.
Andrew Gatt
Apr 16th 2008, 18:39
Beg your pardon Mr Mallia, Dr Fenech Adami GUARANTEED Spring Hunting as one of 77 SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS (derogations) already negotiated with the EU. Qed tipprova tbella r-ross bil-labra, as we say!
I repeat, wanna see the letter? Black on white. Up front. No kidding.
Robert Sultana
Apr 16th 2008, 18:20
It's a question of grammar , I think !! Can't or Won't ? The govt can control illegal hunting but won't . Why ? First of all in this country it's not what you did but who you are and who you know, and secondly this will become a case of " giving us enough rope to hang ourselves".
C Mallia
Apr 16th 2008, 17:30
Mr Andrew Gatt. What Dr E Fenech Adami guaranteed to you back then, was NOT HIS YET to guarantee it to you. Malta still had to apply for derogation. It is like going to buy a property but the notary did not do the research properly. Get the idea now? Who suffers the consequences finally?
John Grima
Apr 16th 2008, 17:22
Sorry Kenneth Cassar but no matter what page I am on abortion will still become legal not matter what you think or what your opinion is. Even so if bird trapping is stopped, people like you still don't have the right to enter private land and invade our private property like all of you want to do.
J. Azzopardi
Apr 16th 2008, 16:50
M.Cardona, i cannot report abuse that happens in areas far from where i live. Yes, i repeat, i not blind on the issue, but, let me tell you, do you live in an area with pellets coming down like 'rain' in your yard when we have infants, of 10 months, three and 6 years enjoying and playing and will have to be brought in simply becaure irresponsible hunters shoot from a few meters away from the housing estate we live in?
Do you condone such behaviour? Yes please parlamentarians of both sides, stick your guns, and do not retract back from the current situation. Hope more and more irresponsible hunters are brought to book, arraingned and fined.
Richard Cachia Zammit
Apr 16th 2008, 16:48
We read here about poachers being arrested and all Sylvana can say is shame on Birdlife. Please Sylvana, if you're trying to defend law abiding hunters, you're not doing a very good job.
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 16th 2008, 16:30
You're on the wrong page, John Grima.
You should go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080416/opinion/live-and-let-live
Andrew Gatt
Apr 16th 2008, 16:22
Albert, I have in my possession a SIGNED letter, sent to me personally and originating from Dr E. Fenech Adami as the Prime Minister of Malta at the time. In this letter he GUARANTEED our tradition by, as he claimed, a special derogation from the EU in pre-accession negotiations.
Please don't split hairs. It's the same party in Government today. Should you want a copy of this letter, I'd be happy to give you one. Imagine if YOU received something similar, guaranteeing something close to your heart. How would YOU feel now? Honestly?
L Borg
Apr 16th 2008, 16:15
Today beautiful pink-legged stilts were seen at Bahar ic-Caghaq. It is about time that hunters relise that we have the right to enjoy the presence of such beautiful birds. I am not a nature freak but I still love to see beautiful birds on our islands. No-one has the right to kill what others love to admire. Hunters should purchase the PS2 and play some shooting games instead. Plenty of guns and ammo to shoot and kill.
John Grima
Apr 16th 2008, 15:50
Everyone is interested in saving a birds life, what about abortion? Which will soon be legalised in our country. Wether we like it or not !!! Remember we are EU members now!!!!
Walks in the country side are allowed but not on private property, so stay off our land. They belong to us and not to the public because we paid a lot of money for these lands like everyone else paid a lot of money for their homes.
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Apr 16th 2008, 15:37
Correction Ms.Zarb Darmanin---- Prime Minister Gonzi never since he has been PM and before the election said that he would re-open Spring Hunting. I think both Dr.Gonzi and Dr.Sant made it clear that they would respect the ECJ's decision...................the only person/politician who went "out of his way" to argue in favour of hunters was Dr.Josie Muscat( Azzjoni Nazzjonali).......and I very much doubt it how many hunters actually voted for him
Patrick gauci
Apr 16th 2008, 15:23
Birdlife are again reporting hunting. They should before see what are doing themselves. The law is being broken by themselves when they camp in non-camping sites and pretend that countryside is all public land and they are not aware that most hunters and trappers bought land where to hunt.
Andrew Gatt
Apr 16th 2008, 15:16
Quote anti-hunters, stop-spring-hunting-T-shirt wearing, columnist Andrew Borg Cardona: "their failure to control - or even condemn - the others has blown their so-called rights out of the water".
Well, dear Dr. Borg Cardona, we live on a tiny tiny island 17 miles by 9. The ALE, the police and the army have the resources, the legal authority and the mandate to control illegal hunting. It is certainly not my job to do so, and quite frankly, please point your fingers elsewhere. I resent your blanket accusations and consider them biased, generalist and unfair to thousands of Maltese and Gozitan citizens like myself who obeyed the FKNK's directives and stayed at home. Perhaps if you took the time to get properly informed about today's reality you MIGHT be able to see both sides of the fence (I am NOT talking about illegal hunting here).
On a different note, I seem to recall you being an active defender of the tobacco industry. I guess a minimal bag of turtle doves and quail is more important to you nowadays that the health and wellbeing of human beings. Two weights, two measures??
caroline crutchley
Apr 16th 2008, 15:13
Can we as a population make a mass walk in the country areas this weekend to save the birds and scare off these shooters . That will show the PN how many people really care about this issue. Seems they are out but in not so large numbers even thought the season is closed.
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 16th 2008, 14:50
Now here's a challenge from me, dear Sylvana Zarb Darmanin:
I challenge anyone to provide a written guarantee from the EU that Malta will retain spring hunting, no matter what.
M.Cardona
Apr 16th 2008, 14:49
Isn't it lovely how detailed you can be J. Azzopardi. I would really love to see more people like you giving detailed narratives of much more serious crimes which go on unabated in just the same areas which you so meticulously listed.
How ironic hatred for fellow Maltese brethren who practice their inbred passion and yet utter silence and disregard for things which are so much more serious!
fleur hili
Apr 16th 2008, 14:43
Oh dear......Sylvana Zarb Darmanin are we going to start with the hunting dogs saga again???
What about us citizens who try and enjoy the country by going for walks.....and what about my ever frightened dogs when they hear the boom boom of shotguns?
Well I guess we don`t count cause WE DO NOT KILL BIRDS!!!!!!!
Andrew Borg-Cardona
Apr 16th 2008, 14:31
Quote hunting apologist Sylvana Zarb Darmanin: "Shame on BirdLife for blowing the situation out of proportion with regard to illegal hunting! " Correction, madam, shame on you for sticking up for these people and repeating the worn-out "law-abiding hunters" defence. There may be hunters who are law-abiding, but their failure to control - or even condemn - the others has blown their so-called rights out of the water.
J. Azzopardi
Apr 16th 2008, 14:00
ALE please patrol the Cottonera area, especially the Ricasoli and Capuchin areas of Kalkara, the bastions surrounding the outskirts of Birgu and Bormla and the buffer zone between Fgura, Zabbar and Bormla. A visit to the area of Xghajra may also yield some fruit.
Angelo Agius
Apr 16th 2008, 11:40
This massive migration that happend on monday is a witness that hunters do not interfere as much as they say with the dove colony.If hunters have ever killed those millions mentioned by birdlife in the past years we could not witness this surge of birds on monday.About that lie before the EC referendum who said it must pay his bills to GOD!!!!!!
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 16th 2008, 11:00
Shame on BirdLife for blowing the situation out of proportion with regard to illegal hunting! I expect them to show some respect (if they have any) towards law-abiding hunters. Shame and Shame on you!
Law-abiding hunters and their hunting dogs are stuck at home in a frustrating situation. They had been assured by MIC, the then Prime Minister Fenech Adami and the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Environment that the Spring Hunting Season is to stand and that the EU has understood and accepted this.
I challenge anyone to come up with facts against the above which are printed black on white.
On the other hand, I urge the Prime Minister to stick to what was agreed and open the Spring Hunting Season. The assurances hunters have were not written by a Mr. Nobody but by respectable individuals who should be accountable for what they wrote!!
Joseph Aquilina
Apr 16th 2008, 10:55
Personally I hope the hunters caught will be given the maximum possible penalty in order to serve as an example to any other hunter who may think that illegal hunting is even a remote possibility! Additionally the words “I will not comment nor condemn those who are going out hunting, even if it is true” by Joe Perici Calascione just show the general trend most of the hunters have in not respecting the laws of Malta. The fact is that things change with time. Hunters can pull a fight, but the general opinion in Malta is that hunting is no longer to be considered a hobby but cruelty towards animals since hobbies like these can be practiced in many other ways today without the need to kill any type of birds! I believe a referendum will be needed if the government does not take a clear stance on this issue which in my opinion shows weakness!
V. Pace
Apr 16th 2008, 10:07
It was such a wonderful feeling this morning to wake up to the sound of a variety of birds, something I have not been able to do in all the years that I have been living in Zurrieq. I lay in bed just listening to this beautiful array ... and thinking that finally laws against spring hunting are being adhered to! But my joy was short-lived as all of a sudden I heard those dreadful gunshots ... and lo and behold the singing birds were no more!! Since we all know where the popular locations for hunters are, is it possible to have an early shift of "enforcement officers" sent out to these sites waiting to arrest these killers of nature?