Educated people should know better

I refer to Tolga Temuge's letter (April 24) in defence of BirdLife Malta and of André Raine following the contribution by Mark Mifsud Bonnici (April 8).

I note the scrutiny of the scientific studies by BirdLife and also the vast experience of Dr Raine. I also note and commend Dr Raine's academic achievements. However, I have to say that all this perplexes me when I read statements and claims made by BirdLife.

Without reserving my condemnation of illegal hunting, why do BirdLife make generic statements about hunting in Malta, quoting exaggerated numbers - in millions - of birds shot over Malta?

Worst of all, why is this fiction fed to the foreign media and sensationalised by, among other ways, putting up billboards during international football matches, all in an attempt to put pressure on the government by hurting the tourist industry and jeopardising the jobs of so many?

Why do BirdLife use artistic photographs to play on the emotions of the public and make fallacious statements, such as the recent photograph of two collard doves mating, something that has been happening for years, and claiming that this is a result of the ban on spring hunting?

Why is it that BirdLife do not admit and state that abolishing spring hunting for turtle doves and quails in Malta is tantamount to abolishing hunting altogether? BirdLife know very well that the number of turtle doves and quails shot over Malta is negligible, especially when compared to the thousands shot in other European member states. BirdLife should know that spring hunting for turtle doves and quails in Malta does not affect the population of these species.

Why do BirdLife claim that autumn is an acceptable alternative? What is referred to as the autumn season and claimed to be an alternative to spring is actually only the first week of September. The species are hardly ever seen outside this window and, except for very rare occasions, the species are only seen scarcely and in limited areas of the islands. In fact, the vast majority of the Maltese hunters do not manage to bag one single bird during this period.

Anyone who claims that spring hunting for turtle doves and quails in Malta affects the population of these birds or that autumn is an acceptable alternative does so out of ignorance, bias or simply deceit.