BirdLife reports strong backing for petition on illegal hunting

John Matthews

Jan 26th 2010, 16:21

TOM 26/01/2010

"Minister asks police to investigate corruption claims"

Could the same minister ask the police to investigate BLM inflated figures claims? Then perhaps the public WORLDWIDE will glean the truth.

Peter Paul Portelli

Jan 25th 2010, 21:30

'.......support is pouring in from all corners of the world.' it looks like the pouring is scarce only to have 22,000 from all over the world. Better effort is needed Birdlife otherwise you sinking rather quickly.. More effort please.....

Lino Farrugia

Jan 25th 2010, 20:58

Who are you trying to fool this time Mr. Mangion.

We all remember both your, and your like warnings prior to the ECJ verdict, that Malta is in for hefty fines, and that those scaremongering tactics were proven incorrect, because Malta was not fined a single cent.

Do you think that the Commission are also fools. After the ECJ verdict of 10th September 2009, I know the Commission is wise and cautious enough in commencing new Court proceedings against Malta regarding hunting, besides being conscious that it cannot take Malta to Court again over the same spring-hunting issue. And this is preciously why you have started this deceitful campaign mixing spring-hunting with illegal shooting of protected birds. It must be emphasized that the illegal shooting of protected bird species was never, and at no point, part of the ECJ case.

Do not worry, Dr. Gonzi will respect the ECJ's decision and without a doubt he will do the right thing for his people, especially the hunters, whose status as equal citizens within the EU is now restored and endorsed by none other than Europe’s top judicial body.

No tax-payers money will go to waste, not unlike your anti-trapping campaign.

C.Micallef

Jan 25th 2010, 20:18

Why is birdlife doing all this damage to our country......... remember what the European court said to Malta, that the autumn season is not an alternative for the spring one... Birdlife ..... can u please leave the Maltese tradition alone.

r sammut

Jan 25th 2010, 20:13

Support is pouring in from all corners of the world’... wonder why all the foreign support to this BirdLife’s Malta petition? Illegalities and derogations are common occurrence in all 27 EU states, not just on tiny Malta!

Considering the minority group of about 17000 out of the third of a million that constitute the hunting fraternity in Malta, Mr Mangion’s ‘overwhelming majority’ is nothing out of the ordinary but to be expected! Considering everything, the figures of about two thirds against the one third in the results, portray quite the opposite to what Mr Mangion is implying! So where does the BLM’s president stand? That in Malta we go about petitioning this and that and axe every minority that fails the grade?

Mr Mangion is raising storm against the very issue that his international affiliation has committed itself to honour! And that was before the ECJ verdict was even pronounced!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Jan 25th 2010, 19:33

It seems the sour pill has urged you to sign the petition, Mr Muscat Baron! Obviously, you will have to sign your full name there!!!

Johnny Xerri

Jan 25th 2010, 19:22

@ All the antis:

Just let the government impliment the EU Birds Directive. If government works within the Directive's parameters then both BLM & Hunters will benefit.

As for R Muscat, what fines and penalties? The ones we feared before the ECJ ruling?

Furthermore, dear R Muscat I to pay my taxes. I would like my taxes to go to better use, and not to be squandered in ECJ cases. If BLM let government impliment the derogation that was part and parcel of the referendum and election the ECJ case would never have matterialised.

Besides the fact that anti hunting individuals can hardly be termed as being pillars of morality and democracy, inciting government to break the democratic obligation of 2003 which was further endoresed in the 2008 election and with governments action in the ECJ court case.

As for the petition, come on get real, since when is a petion in which requires no ID card number, signiture or verification codes, reliable or valid. All one needs to enter is a name, surname, email account, telephone number, city and country. All this data can be invented and people can send multiple petitions.

m attard

Jan 25th 2010, 18:32

@ Franco Farrugia

It is BLM who make their own work difficult, Mr Farrugia, because rather than targeting the real problem of illegal hunting, they are targeting hunting as a whole and using the illegal hunting that goes on in Malta as an excuse. If the only concern of BLM was illegal hunting, then they should not get into spring hunting at all. The 'situation' in Malta you speak about is found everywhere in the world where hunting is permitted. People will always break the law and that is why laws need to be enforced. But you cannot stop people doing what is permitted just because you don't like it.

joseph lia

Jan 25th 2010, 18:16

Illegal hunting or poaching, unfortunately common throughout every corner of the globe, Why all this fuss? BLM have managed ad nausea to tarnish Malta by over-inflating this unfortunate common occurance. I personally would gladly sign any petition to curb any illegalities but what has this got to do with spring hunting? Previous spring hunting seasons were never ILLEGAL, these were opened with proper Legal notices, the ECJ has given its Final Verdict, so yes, Malta has the possibility to apply a derogation for 2 huntable species in spring....LEGALLY. BLM are as usual twisting the facts by including the term illegal hunting, if the Maltese government abides with the ECJ ruling and opens the spring season, then there is no illegality, all is legal, What BLM are trying to do is manipulate and contort the issue to put pressure on the actual APPLICATION OF THE DEROGATION, no more no less.

Farrugia A

Jan 25th 2010, 18:12

Hunting brings no good to the community. It is a useless pest of a "hobby". Furthermore it brings destruction both to the environment and the birds. Birds are not humanely killed, but suffer in the process, unless they take a direct hit which is not the case in most instances.

Claims that it is done for food is bullocs and even if so, why arent they bought from the supermarket where (at the least) the birds would be bred in bird farms and killed with the least suffering, rather than the most of suffering until they come down to the ground and are further hit to die. The food excuse is an unusable excuse.

People who still choose to eat meat - don't go around with a shotgun shooting at cows or pigs, they buy their meat from controlled environments which cause the least pain to animals.
(not that I condone it either).

I would suggest that any environmentalist would be doing his/her duty by signing the birdlife online petition and ensuring that his/her peers are informed and encouraged to do so as well.

S Mizzi

Jan 25th 2010, 17:13

I wish FKNK and the staff working in this federation the very best for their endeavours. Theirs is certainly difficult work, considering the situation in Malta and the conditions at present.

stefan micallef

Jan 25th 2010, 17:03

the ECJ said it cleary that we hunters have no other alternative for spring hunting.now the PM now what hes doing and will not care about you petitions probably.

Manwel Borg

Jan 25th 2010, 16:45

@ D.Calleja

I am not a hunter, but i think the hunters dont need a petition. What for?!? The justice court of Europe agreed autumn hunting is not enough for Malta.
Birdlife does not agree, and needs the petition to make a fuss to make Gonzi imagine the court did not side with the hunters. I would sign the petition asking tough enforcement, but now i wont sign becasue I think as the court thinks, and the hunters are righht.

victor aquilina

Jan 25th 2010, 16:40

Just have a REFERENDUM for Hunting, and against Hunting, Then you would see the Majority of Maltese would say NO MORE HUNTING in Malta, Shame this Beautiful island is looked after by Maltese!!

N Xuereb

Jan 25th 2010, 16:40

@ Franco Farrugia ... With all due respect, have you ever visited or checked other EU countries? The situation is the same, if not worse in countries like Greece, Spain, France and Italy. Just seeing TV programs via cable or satellite is enough. I condemn all illegal hunting, anywhere, but if Malta get a derogation for Spring hunting it is a right all other EU countries enjoy. Birdlife's agenda is totally different from what is being portrayed. And why pick on Malta? ...because it is small and easier to handle that's why.

Franco Farugia

Jan 25th 2010, 15:34

I wish Birdlife and the staff working in this NGO the very best for their endeavours. Theirs is certainly difficult work, considering the situation in Malta and the conditions at present.

Victor Cordina

Jan 25th 2010, 15:33

I am against indiscrimate hunting but I am more against Birdlife for the damage that it is doing to Malta's image. Please stop it and do your work without damaging Malta.

Clint Camilleri

Jan 25th 2010, 15:17

@ Birdlife

All this is showing the panic you have.

The verdict is clear, 'there is no alternative to spring hunting in Malta' and hence Spring hunting is essential.

Its useless, a lost case, it is decided by the European Court.... Spring hunting and Trapping are and will always be our tradition

R Muscat

Jan 25th 2010, 14:56

Thank you Bird Life where can I sign the petition?

John Matthews

Jan 25th 2010, 14:52

"Birdlife reports strong backing for petition on illegal hunting"

Why have a petition on ILLEGAL hunting when it is ALREADY ILLEGAL?

This has no reflection on the ruling of the ECJ. Or am I wrong?

Mark Shaw

Jan 25th 2010, 14:23

With respect..you sound a bit panicky Mr Bonnici!..if its all clear cut in your favour..why the panic?

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Jan 25th 2010, 14:09

Can Birdlife quantify their members and those of other international Birding societies rallied to support this petition as can be witnessed on their respective websites.

It is known fact that all these members oppose any form of hunting and that this golden opportunity to air their opposition will not be missed.

22.000 signatures shows a poor response compared to all members of international birdling societies.

This petition is blatant proof of Birdlife breaching it's agreement with FACE to respect the ECJ judgement. It undermines the ECJ court judgement and the concessions allowed to any member state under the EU's own Birds Directive. It is also considered as a direct threat to Malta's Prime Minister and proper governance.

Birdlife could not be digging a deeper grave. Deep enough to accomodate all that sign this vile petition.

J Azzopardi

Jan 25th 2010, 14:04

Keep up the good work BirdLife.

J Oatmon

Jan 25th 2010, 13:58

Excellent response by the public, showing their feelings about the bird killers countryside rampage - lets hope the politicians take the required action.

Judging by this governments actions at the ADT, VAT, MEPA, and the legal/courts delay fiasco, I am not expecting any meaningful action once again.

D.Calleja

Jan 25th 2010, 13:57

Two can play at this game . . .

The hunting lobby should start their own petition!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Jan 25th 2010, 13:30

Exactly BLM, "Dr Gonzi will respect the European Court ruling", utilise the tools provided and open the Spring Hunting Season!

You are indeed panic-stricken! You are throwing tantrums like kids and clutching at any straw! The ECJ ruling has been a BIG BLOW! Enough of your non-factual arguments. First you had those black t-shirts stating that Spring Hunting is illegal. You stated that Malta is on a main migratory route, that the turtle-dove and quail are threatened species and that Autumn is an alternative to Spring Hunting - ONLY TO BE PROVED WRONG!!

How come you are worried about Malta incurring hefty fines? You do not even care about our dear island and doing everything to unjustly tarnish Malta's image. I again urge the Maltese Government to take the necessary actions against all those who are unjustly tarnishing our dear Malta's image!

R Muscat Baron, I urge you to take off your blinkers, have a look at the ECJ ruling and then decide whether BLM deserve your 'Prosit' or not! Prepare yourself, as you are in for a very sour pill!

Joe Galea

Jan 25th 2010, 13:30

Pack it up Birdlife Malta. Yours is a lost cause.

N Xuereb

Jan 25th 2010, 13:21

What I cannot understand is why only target little Malta, when all EU countries apply derogations to hunt the species they choose in Spring. The rest of the world are even better off. It's either everybody or nobody.

saviour.balzan

Jan 25th 2010, 13:14

for all to know the ECJ has just given a ruling as regards to spring hunting.please ma nhalltux hass ma gass sur mangion .illegal hunting is one thing hunting in spring is another .please stop brainwashing people.by the way i am not a hunter.ANd mr muscat we never received a fine as regards to hunting .we did get fines yes but for other reasons not connected with hunting such as late implementation of projects.

Antoine Vella

Jan 25th 2010, 13:13

I would imagine that hunters, especially members of FKNK, were among the first to sign the petition since they always rightly insist they are against illegal hunting.

Antoine Grima

Jan 25th 2010, 13:12

I wonder , ''Did the European Court of Justice vote ?'' Yes it did and we all know the outcome

Joseph Scicluna

Jan 25th 2010, 13:02

As far as the european court has ruled out about spring hunting it should be made clear to all that during the ruling it is mentioned that Malta has an inadequate autumn hunting season for turtle-dove and quail hence making the re-opening of spring hunting under strict regulation applicable...a point which Birdlife seem to allways miss.

John Borg

Jan 25th 2010, 12:58

BLM knows that the government now has the tools to open a spring hunting season and it also knows that such hunting season has been promised in writing several times. The last two seasons were not opened ONLY because it was waiting the outcome of the ruling from the ECJ. Now that the outcome clearly enables the government to open a spring hunting season, it's only the Goverment that has to choose ----- whether to keep his promises or not ---- whether he wants to accomodate his own citizens or the requests of a petition signed by foreigners.
By the way, if BLM were to be fair, they should have NOT mixed spring hunting with illegal hunting! The way it is, anyone signing against illegal hunting will me automatically signing against spring hunting.

C. Attard

Jan 25th 2010, 12:53

On their website at www.birdlifemalta.org

R Muscat

Jan 25th 2010, 12:49

Prosit Bird Life keep up the good work.
I for one as a tax paying citizen am against any form of fines or fees for international court cases for hunting, that are paid out of our hard earned taxes.
The wrong message will be sent to many that abide by the law and pay their taxes if the authorities turn a blind eye to illegal practices.
Our tax money should be well spent, not squandered on stupid court cases, that do not benefit the majority of tax payers and lines the pockets of lawyers and beaurocrats in Brussels.

M.Brincat

Jan 25th 2010, 12:38

Where are the Birdlife taking signatures?