Joseph Lia, Mosta
A hunt for the whole truth to be told
The whole truth, nothing but the truth - this statement is synonymous with, and echoes throughout the law courts. Only the truth and proven facts are the tools which lead to innocence, fairness and justice. The material facts have to be proven without a shadow of a doubt.
This ominous shadow of doubt still hangs mysteriously over Malta's delicate pre-accession negotiations vis-à-vis the hunting and trapping issue.
Who is to blame for the shambles of the saga that has unfolded? Certainly the Maltese hunting and trapping fraternity have taken the full brunt from the well-orchestrated and heavily financed negative propaganda. Propaganda brought to us from local and foreign fronts, including foreign anti-hunting fronts which rallied and deployed in Malta some years back to help organise this vicious propaganda machine.
Is there any shadow of doubt relating to the anti- hunting information being fed daily via national and international media?
"Surely not all Maltese hunters break the law?" an aspiring PN MEP hopeful, and friend, once confided in me. Indeed Europe is reeling and definitely appalled by Malta's hunting reputation. A reputation deliberately inflated tenfold by the daily negative media bombardment, ad nauseam.
The latest, chart-topping propaganda is brought to us in the form of a movie, a movie the late Alfred Hitchcock would have felt jealous of. This movie, erroneously titled Birds, Bins and Bullets, features gruesome and atrocious scenes. The word "bullets" is extremely misleading and simply put there to exacerbate the impact of the title. (Bullets are never used when hunting game, especially in Malta). If one had to do similar footage of chicken plucking and culling, in a chicken farm, one would achieve the same result as is intended in this Birds, Bins and Bullets movie, soon to hit a cinema near you (no pun intended).
So what is the truth behind this continuous onslaught? Malta has been portrayed as the only country in the civilised world where illegal hunting exists; the Maltese hunter has been reduced to nothing more than a common criminal. The Maltese hunter and trapper are the reason and main culprits for global bird depletion, countryside destruction, air pollution, tourist scaring, soil and water poisoning and even more atrocious acts!
What truth emerged from the "millions" of blasted birds that the anti-hunting lobby incessantly blared into the media?
Nowadays this phrase is hardly used, indeed it has fallen drastically to the "hundreds" figure... perhaps due to the economic downturn? The shadow of doubt regarding the "millions" figure certainly obscured the truth.
People here on cheap holidays, for the second season running, have ventured into Malta to champion the "cause". The German-based Committee Against Bird Slaughter last year struggled to bring to the public evidence of the blasted "millions". They only managed to "uncover" a few dozen illegalities and recorded a few hundred illegal gunshots! (Half of these shots have been attributed to the monotonous pre-recorded gun-shots set to go off to ward the pesky sparrow away from fruit trees!).
What truth lies behind the mistaken ideology that finches (common song birds) do not nest in Malta mainly because of local bird trapping (capture)?
Five years of banned spring finch capture has yielded no local baby finches! (1994, 1995, 1996, 2008 and 2009)
What are the facts relating to the "sudden" surge of mating and nesting local collared doves? (please note, not to be mistaken with the migrant turtle dove). A fact that has been with us, mainly towards the northern part of Malta, for over 10 years, therefore conveniently photographed and publicised only now!
What truth and motives lie behind the very people who campaigned for Malta's hunting and trapping pre-accession negotiations, from which emerged undeniable written guarantees, for all to see?
One such person, who enjoyed a very high position and was actively involved, supposedly to safeguard our traditional pastime, has recently declared his anti-hunting position! Another influential gentleman, who was also deeply involved to secure a "good deal" for the thousands of Maltese hunters and trappers, is a well-known anti-hunting campaigner!
The whole truth, and nothing but the truth, please.
23 Comments
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Kenneth Cassar
Apr 20th 2009, 12:26
Just a small comment to help people understand some very divergent points of view (and not necessarily to convince anyone to take any particular side - sometimes it helps even if one knows how others think, even when there will still be disagreement.
It should be noted that the question of why other EU citizens are allowed to hunt in Spring while Maltese hunters cannot, is a redundant question when asked to someone who disagrees with hunting wherever and whenever it happens.
It is like asking a pro-lifer: Can you explain why abortion is allowed in the rest of the world and not in Malta? To someone who opposes abortion wherever and whenever it happens, this question does not make sense.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 20th 2009, 10:32
Mr / Ms A Farrugia, a sweet and convenient way of yet again avoiding to answer my questions!!!!
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 20th 2009, 08:01
@ Everyone:
Truth be told, a quick kill by a hunter causes less suffering than a lifetime of confinement and death in a modern farm. That said, two wrongs do not make a right.
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin:
"Furthermore, I am neither on the side of a lobby which only recently murdered a hunter during one of his hunts!!!"
You don't know that yet. But even if it is true, one does not judge people on the actions of others. For instance, you can't say Christians are criminals just because there are lots of Christians in jail. Same applies here.
A.Farrugia
Apr 19th 2009, 22:44
Ms. Zarb Darmanin. You either deliberately took my questions topsy turvy or I am trying to discuss things which are beyond your comprehension.
Say that it is illegal to shoot falcons and Owls and assuming that they are not shot at are two different things altogether. Answering that the murdering dogs is illegal when this was a hypothetical case to give you an example is another - well lets say hiccup in your argument.
It goes on with the eg of the garbage etc...
I'm off this thread now, see you in the next one.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 19th 2009, 14:51
Mr/Ms A Farrugia, Mrs F Farrugia!, it seems you are, as usual, lost for words to answer my question. Well, I have got used to this!
Hunters (and not my friends) cannot shoot falcons, owls and pigeons. Remember? These are protected species! Likewise you cannot shoot their dogs as it is illegal. It is also illegal to throw stones, leave garbage behind on public property and you cannot trespass! If you are seriously suggesting that you will be doing such things, it is very clear that it is you who happens to be "on the wrong side"!!
Sir / Madam, being insultive will get you nowhere. I will let readers decide as to who posts "shallow comments".
I have answered your questions and it is you and others of your sort who unfailingly do not answer my questions! So much for credibility!!!
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 19th 2009, 14:39
Wow, Am I missing something?!! Messrs Franco Farrugia and Mr/Ms A Farrugia making the same slip regarding my surname!! Do I smell something fishy?!!
Mr Franco Farrugia, you have the tenacity to say that I cannot be objective because I hold different views from the ones you hold? Well, with your reasoning you cannot be objective either! Readers have become accustomed to your views.
"I do not have websites that harbour violent and quasi-terroristic thoughts, expressions and intentions!" Well Sir neither do I!! Furthermore, I am neither on the side of a lobby which only recently murdered a hunter during one of his hunts!!!
One thing I absolutely agree with you: "The subject of hunting and trapping should have been dealt with long before we became members of the EU" That is exactly what citizens expect as opposed to being lied to and taken for a ride!
"Whatever cruelty you mention against animals - I am against it." Should this also include cruelty against human-being? If so, Sir, you are contradicting yourself in your arguments. Are you aware that the 77 Exceptions granted during EU Accession included the continuance of hunting and trapping together with the non-legalising of Abortion?
A.Farrugia
Apr 19th 2009, 11:04
Ms. SZD
Anwser mu question first and then I will yours.
Why can your friends shoot my flying falcon, pegion, owl and the rest of the birds which are of everyone, but I cannot shoot their dogs ? Stop for a moment and think about this question. You will probably fume at the unfairness.
Why should I go upstairs and find my roof covered in pallets and then I cannot come up to your and throw stones at it.
Why should I find plastic cartridges with their tip rusting away in fields but I cannot come to your field and deposit by garbage there.
Why can hunters illegally take over fields and post RTOs and I cannot come to your property and do the same.
Why do I need MEPA permit to open up a simple window inside at home and hunters dont pay and apply for it to build hides?
Hand on hear Ms. Zarb Adami, deep down, you know you're on the wrong side of the fence, and this is many times proved by the shallow comments that are posted. Where you attack people of not answering questions when you would have avoided others in the first place.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 18th 2009, 22:14
@ Ms Sylvana Zarb Adami - For all you write to others and claim that you are an animal-lover yourself, you seem hard-hit when it comes to the nitty-gritty. Do not dare to speak on behalf of 'sensible readers' because you are blinded by the idea of hunting and trapping and therefore, you cannot argue objectively. You see things in black and white and you write to people and complain and question about every factual proof at hand!
You claim that I am intolerant and extremist - and yet, I wield no guns, Ms ZA! I do not have websites that harbour violent and quasi-terroristic thoughts, expressions and intentions!
Whatever cruelty you mention against animals - I am against it.
You are so blinded that you even refuse to read what we are saying: EU and no EU, foreign countries and not - I, for one, am not interested. The subject of hunting and trapping should have been dealt with long before we became members of the EU. How many times do I have to repeat this to you?
Your thoughts and opinions have been expressed in this blog for a long time.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 18th 2009, 17:35
Mr Franco Farrugia, I assure you that sensible readers will indeed judge where the garbage comes from!!! Sensible and factual arguments as opposed to extremism, hatred, disrespect and intollerance! Let's guess which of these two is to be considered as garbage!!
Sir, can you please enlighten readers as into which category you place the frozen quails, etc which one is able to purchase from supermarkets? As already mentioned by Mr MMB, are you aware of the cruelty imposed on the calf so that many individuals will enjoy a dish of veal?
Mr A Farrugia allow me to add another WHY to your various why's. Why are other EU citizens allowed to go out hunting in Spring whereas their Maltese counterpart cannot? You have a habit of avoiding direct questions put to you by readers. I would appreciate if you could start addressing such questions!
A.Farrugia
Apr 18th 2009, 12:14
Why can you hunt my bird, and I can't your dog ? Why monkeys are largely protected ? Why can't we hunt lions and Elephants ? MMB, needs to make the leap. Certain acts are becoming less and less acceptable. Maybe one day it will be the turn of fishing and Calves being murdered.
Personally I do not eat ANY kind of meat so I cannot be accused of being a doubleface. However although I do understand what MMB is trying to say, he is still living in the 1920s. You will always find situations where the socially an eye is closed to killing one animal for feeding many, butdoes not accept another type of killing, largely for trophies.
Nothwithstanding the fact, your hobby pollutes the environment, is frequently proven to have within it people who break the law in many forms.
Is Bull fighting as widely accepted as it used to be? What about Whaling ? Assure you, there is a lot of pressure on people who practice those murderes to stop, and time will make it even harder for them...like the time has arrived in Malta for hunting. Face it or keep banging your foot.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 18th 2009, 11:38
@ MMB: You are, we know, beyond redemption in this matter. So, I will let the people in general, the readers, to judge where the garbage you mention is coming from, sir!
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Apr 18th 2009, 10:06
Franco Farrugia
So you excuse the killing of very large animals under the excuse that they belong to someone also because the meat is bought and not caught " free of charge from the sky."
You state that you eat meat as least as possible. But indeed you do eat it. If large animals are sent to the abattoir, what about veal. Do you know that veal is meat that comes from calves kept in confined spaces fed only on milk. And what have you to say about fish. Are these not caught free of charge. So according to you owning an animal gives you the right to kill it if its big enough to feed a hundred people. WHAT ABSOLUTE NONSENSE.
With your line of thought, its not surprising that so much garbage is stated about hunting and trapping.You should be proud of being one of the main contributors.
Steven Brockwell
Apr 17th 2009, 22:22
mr farrugia please correct me if i am wrong or someone please do. as far as i know there are birds mammals fish reptiles. and no one ever says" oh look i just saw an animal flying bye" we say bird. hey at the end of the day none of us mean any offense what so ever. i never got offended with my last letter. and the comments made. criticism is good. on both sides.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 17th 2009, 21:02
@ Mr Cauchi: I am against foreign interference in this matter. We should have settled this matter of hunting and trapping LONG BEFORE our having become members of the EU. We should be against the killing and the captivity of birds not due to Europe but because we, as a people, decide to take this one step further towards a better state of civilisation.
That having been said, we ARE living in one global village and therefore we cannot just put our backs up whenever we hear a foreign opinion.
As far as I am concerned, foreigners have their own problems as much as we have. The British have foxhunts, for starters; the Spanish have plenty of problems; but this does not matter ... what matters is that these birds have a right to life! And we are denying it!
Franco Farrugia
Apr 17th 2009, 20:57
I say 'ban them' simply because hunting is the deprivation of other animals from living.
@ MMB: I eat meat as least as possible - but abattoirs are a far cry from hunting/trapping. At abattoirs, you don't find animals that belong to the general public - they are privately 'grown'. And usually, only very large animals are sent to abattoirs, which means that one life will be given up so that ... even a hundred people may eat from it, after they BUY the meat ... not just shoot it down, free of charge, from the sky!
@ Steven Brockwell: I do not believe in pet-shops; I do not believe in the importation of animals; I am against the selling of animals; I am against using animals for profit.
'Birds are not animals'. Now that's real wisdom coming from you!!!
@ Darren Caruana: Attention to you, I have a right to stop someone from trespassing over my rights. I have as much right over those birds in the sky as the next hunter or trapper. But they, those birds, have a right of their own and it is my duty to help bring about a conscience in favour of life.
george gauchi
Apr 17th 2009, 14:21
There are many things that I`am against,like football,horses,village festas,politics but still I will never say ban them because I don`t like them,I just don`t go everyone got a hobby,passion call it what you like, everyone is different as the saying goes " MITT BNIEDEM MITT FEHMA " as I said I will never say ban them,the funny thing is,England,Italy ,Germany ,Spain and the rest of Europe manufacture hunting guns and ammo which they sell to Malta and at the same time send people (SPIES) to check on our fellow country-men and try to end the culture of hunting from our MALTA
Darren Caruana
Apr 17th 2009, 14:01
Att Franco Farrugia, I start off by saying that I am totally against poaching/shooting of protected species. On the other hand. Everyone has a right to their opinion. I do not condemn you for having yours but I have mine. While my practises and opinion are whitin the legal parameters I have every right to call them my traditional pastime like Mr Lia did. If you are against hunting and trapping so be it. Don't go hunting or trapping. But let others be.
Steven Brockwell
Apr 17th 2009, 12:19
birds are not animals they come under a different category. farmers in England poison foxes leaving their off spring to starve. but yet they abolished fox hunting ????? no that makes sence ?
Steven Brockwell
Apr 17th 2009, 11:32
mr farrugia if you are concerned about trapping. may be you should know that it is now leagle to import exotic birds. i went to a pet shop and saw two hawks with feathers dropping of cramped into one cage. i alas saw a number of white owls kept in cages suited for a budgie. so is that right.? no i felt disgusted and humiliated about this you ban trapping but its OK to import the bird dadadada ....., ban all if it come to that or free for all. which is it when you go to a market they have signs NO PHOTOS.! BECAUSE of PUPPIES PUT IN BIRD CAGES .
Steven Brockwell
Apr 17th 2009, 11:23
continuation of my last post. the eu did what it could to ban spring hunting. however, just remember . a recent survey showed that our children drink and abuse drugs more then any other state? find that hard to believe. so if they are so concerned why don't they crack down on the drug trade and alcohol trade, or even smoking for that matter. why because this is all revenue and that's what it is all about money. every country makes loads on the taxes raised by alcohol consumption and smoking. they say it cost hundreds of thousands to keep someone in hospital from smoke related disease. compere that to the taxes they bring in from cigarette is pittance. if they were looking after our health they would stop importing them. if they did want to completely ban hunting then why not stop the manufacturing of shot guns. its all about money full stop.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Apr 17th 2009, 10:33
FRANCO FARRUGIA "Killing animals and putting birds in small cages" Are you by any chance referring to the abattoir and chickens in battery farms? Indeed "things change, life changes, priorities give way to others with the passage of time." but abattoirs and battery farms still remain the same!!
Franco Farrugia
Apr 17th 2009, 10:15
@ Mr Lia - 'our traditional pastime': How can you have a pastime which consists of killing animals and putting birds in small cages? I am sorry: but things change, life changes, priorities give way to others with the passage of time. That is why I, for one, am against hunting and trapping.
Joe Camilleri
Apr 17th 2009, 10:09
Not to forget the latest birdlife stunt during the football match between Malta and Hungary.