BirdLife slams MEP's 'election stunt'

BirdLife Malta this afternoon criticised Labour MEP John Attard Mntalto for signing a petition drawn up by the hunters' federation, branding his action 'an election stunt'.

"The FKNK petition entitled "Equal, Human & Citizen Rights in the EU" makes no reference to issues regarding hunting but states that the signatories subscribe 'to the fundamental principle that all Maltese Nationals have the right to expect.the same human and citizen rights as those enjoyed by other EU citizens in other EU Member States..'" BirdLife said.

"Since there is no reference to spring hunting or trapping in the FKNK petition, Dr Attard Montalto should explain what he is appealing for with the hunters to the EU, BirdLife said.

It said that as an MEP, Dr Attard Montalto should know that Maltese nationals are being treated the same as other EU citizens.

"If his reference by signing the FKNK petition is to spring hunting then Dr Attard Montalto should be made aware that EU law forbids spring hunting and trapping. Furthermore hunting is not a human right whereas the equal application of the law is." said Joseph Mangion, President of BirdLife Malta.