Hunters formally request PM to allow Spring hunting
"We urge you also to ensure the strict enforcement of the hunting regulations without fear or favour."
The hunters' federation has written to the Prime Minister to formally request the government to apply a derogation for Spring hunting.
"The Maltese hunters' status as equal citizens within the EU, now endorsed by none other than Europe's top judicial body, expects that you apply the spring-hunting derogation fully in terms of the Birds Directive, no more and no less," the federation said.
In its letter, the federation said:
"As Prime Minister you will no doubt remember your government's written declarations to all the Maltese hunters and trappers guaranteeing spring hunting and trapping. May we remind you of your publicly-stated opinion that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) was the best place where the spring hunting issue could be settled once and for all, and that you would abide by the Court's ruling.
As you are no doubt aware, the ECJ judgment justified limited spring hunting. It also put paid to BirdLife's claims on the conservation status of turtle-doves and quails, and the inadequacy of the autumn season as a satisfactory alternative solution to spring hunting and trapping.
The judicious decision of the European court amply vindicated your government's arguments that the two bird-species enjoy a healthy conservation status in the wild, and most importantly, that in the particular case of Malta, autumn is not a satisfactory alternative solution to spring hunting. May we remind you that the ECJ judgement is final and definitive, demolishes the main contention of the EU Environment Commission, and makes the opening of a spring hunting and trapping season by the Maltese government a justified necessity for the Maltese hunters and trappers.
May we point out that BirdLife Malta's present campaign, featuring an orchestrated anti-spring hunting petition, stems from their refusal to accept and abide by the findings of the European Court of Justice. The illegal shooting of protected bird species was never, and at no point, part of the ECJ case, and is irrelevant to the issue. We are certain that you will recognize it for what it is, the manipulative confusing of public opinion by an organization that plainly thinks it knows best.
Nevertheless, may we remind you that the ECJ ruling has highlighted your government's ethical and moral obligation to do justice to all the hunters and trappers and their families. We urge you, therefore, to transpose the decision of the European Court of Justice allowing limited spring hunting and trapping of Turtle-dove and Quail, and to implement the court judgement by enacting the necessary Maltese legislation.
Assuring you once more of our full backing, we urge you also to ensure the strict enforcement of the hunting regulations without fear or favour.
In the interest of justice and transparency, we urge you to do the right thing for the law-abiding hunters of Malta and Gozo and their families, with their full backing and on the strength of the ECJ judgement. The Maltese hunters' status as equal citizens within the EU, now endorsed by none other than Europe's top judicial body, expects that you apply the spring-hunting derogation fully in terms of the Birds Directive, no more and no less.
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r sammut
Jan 28th 2010, 19:42
@Kenneth Cassar
You could take a horse to the water but you can not make him drink! The evidence you required has been supplied over and again by fellow correspondents.
Malta was found guilty of not conforming correctly to derogation of past Spring season openings, not applying correctly. Against all doomsday predictions of the antis clamouring millions in fines, Malta was not charged a single € cent.
The ECJ ruling also mentioned about the Autumn not providing an alternative, meaning that some hunting can be allowed at some other point in time when turtledoves and quail migrate over Malta! I leave that guess to you Mr Cassar when this is likely to occur!
The majority of arguments raised by antis against Spring are also applied for Autumn, Winter or whenever an open season approaches. Their agenda is one; to ban hunting from the Maltese Archipelago completely … FULLSTOP.
M. Cardona
Jan 28th 2010, 14:38
@ Mr Kenneth Cassar
For your kind attention
49 One condition which must be met for the Member States to apply that derogation is, in Article 9(1) of the Directive, the requirement that there be no other satisfactory solution.
63 Having regard to those very specific circumstances, hunting for quails and turtle doves during the autumn hunting season cannot be regarded as constituting, in Malta, another satisfactory solution, so that the condition that there be no other satisfactory solution, laid down in Article 9(1) of the Directive, should, in principle, be considered met.
66..........by authorising the opening of the spring hunting season for quails and turtle doves for several weeks each year, from 2004 to 2007, the Republic of Malta has failed to comply with the conditions for a derogation under Article 9(1) of the Directive, interpreted in the light of the principle of proportionality
@ Mr/Mrs J Borg,
Please rest assured that many " have read the ECJ decision".... and don't need to "simply believe what FKNK fed them..... ". Have you? or are you "simply believing what others have fed" you?
In case you may attest these excerpts at
http://curia.europa.eu/jurisp/cgi-bin/form.pl?lang=en&Submit=Rechercher&alldocs=alldocs&docj=docj&docop=docop&docor=docor&docjo=docjo&numaff=C-76/08%20&datefs=&datefe=&nomusuel=&domaine=&mots=&resmax=100
Good reading!
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 28th 2010, 13:33
@ r sammut:
"Wasn’t this derogation legally fought and obtained at the European Court of Justice?".
No. If you think I'm wrong, please point me to the relevant document.
Andrea Damato
Jan 28th 2010, 01:04
@ C.Mallia
Sir/madam, please note that most of the countryside you are mentioning is PRIVATELY owned/leased by hunters, trappers and farmers. So spring hunting or no spring hunting you and no one can go in it !!! And rest assured that even if god forbids the spring hunting season is not opened we will still be present in our property to ensure that you and no one trespasses!!!
Manwel Borg
Jan 27th 2010, 22:05
@ C Mallia
1 Why do you ask the Prime Minister not to restrict the countryside to a small section of the population, when the PM never did that, and when in the next sentence you say both hunters and non-hunters enjoyed the countryside together.
2 When and how did the FKNK threaten Dr Gonzi politically? and how do you know he won the election despite that alleged threat?
3 There is no "automatic entitlement" to spring hunting, but the ECJ ruling justified the hunters' arguments about spring hunting, and the Maltese government is now bound to open a limited season by derogation .
4 It is Birdlife that shames Malta by magnifying the illegal killing of some protected birds, and publicizing every incident in the media. No other birding society acts so pigheaded against its own country.
5. Finally, since you are certain Dr Gonzi won the election because of promising a green agenda, perhaps you could tell us why all those candidates actually professing green credentials were eliminated.
r sammut
Jan 27th 2010, 20:58
The antis convey a message that the Maltese in general cannot be trusted! Derogations about hunting are applied across the board in the EU. Yet some people paint their fellow Maltese hunters not worth the trust! Typical mentality and the lack of National pride! Some locals ooze their mind at what foreigners say; applying blind thrust to their uttering!
Wasn’t this derogation legally fought and obtained at the European Court of Justice?
Wasn’t there agreement on the eve of this same judgment’s declaration, by both FACE and BLI to abide by it?
Why now sowing all these excuse and doubt?
The Government guaranteed before joining EU as well on several occasions after, to keep opening the Spring season. The Government had faith in rightfulness of the cause. As a matter of fact the same Government provided the help of the Attorney General, to aid in the Malta case at the ECJ.
Now that Malta won, may I add with flying colours, are we to digress from applying this legal means? Do we Maltese consider ourselves as second to all the others! Certainly not in the shooting sports! Our athletes are making Malta proud!
J. Borg
Jan 27th 2010, 19:57
I am sure that some of those commenting have not read the ECJ decison....but simply believed what FKNK fed them.....
Being on public lands does not ential only free access to such public space - but ALSO remaining there without any threat to one's safety.
Now have thugs running around and shooting with their shotguns (albeit they may be shooting from "their" land) is a factual threat to the public enjoying public space.
The recent HUNTING incident at the PUBLIC Zabbar "bird sanctuary" is clear enough!
If FKNK really wants to be of service to its menbers - it should strive to have a limited and specific area assigned to hunting within specific times and over specific days. This will facilitate effective monitoring against abuses and also "disarm" the countryside so that it can be enjoyed by families and tourists alike.
Mr. Formosa - tourism is mainly affected by the state of ecomonies from of the countries where potential tourists reside - and especially in dire times like these we cannot afford to waste our countryside to satisfy your ilk's killing lust...
David Borg Cardona
Jan 27th 2010, 19:45
@ C.Mallia..
U hallina.. Try and get at least one right point out of the 5 you mentioned.. Some pills are too hard and bitter to swallow ux tassew !!!
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jan 27th 2010, 19:44
M. Cardona.
Cont..
There is nothing more Kaccaturi San Uberu want, then to reconciallate both sides. However considering the deceitful way Birdlife go about matters, we sincerely feel that under the present Birdlife management there could never be a way out.
We consider the present managenment to be too fanatical to ever see reason. Their reaction to the court judgement which they agreed to respect clearly shows that they cannot be trusted once things do not follow their ideals.
I take this opportunity to ask you to join Kaccaturi San Ubertu since you ideals seem to be congruent to ours.
Please get in contact with us if interested.
Johnny Xerri
Jan 27th 2010, 19:43
As for the claim that if spring hunting opens than hunters will kill protected birds.
1. Then please ban driving at Imrielel since 10468 motorits over speeded, causing excess pollution and danger on the roads.
2. Ban law courts since recently 2 judges were found to be bribbed.
3. Next ban churches because of pedophilia cases.
4. Dismental the police corps because some police have been found guilty of crimes.
5. Dismental the VAT department because of the recent fraud cases.
6. Castrate all men because some men have rapped.
7. Why not stop employment since some employees skive or evade tax (if not both)
8. And finally interesting enough dismantel BLM since they always claimed that turtle doves and quail are endangered species, Malta is on a main migratory route, and autumn is an alternative to spring, since none other than the ECJ dismissed their claimes as plain lies.
Why not dismental all Malta and we all go to cordin, but then who will guard us....since some guards have in the past been found guilty of letting the inmates escape.
Joe Camilleri
Jan 27th 2010, 19:42
*********************************************
*********************************************
***** No ammount of polls, petitions *****
***** crying, feet stamping etc *****
***** will change the ECJ ruling *****
***** in favour of SPRING HUNTING *****
**********************************************
*********************************************
Johnny Xerri
Jan 27th 2010, 19:33
How democratic the antis really are.
They never uttered a work before the EU referendum. There were public consultations in practically every village and never did an anti suggest the removal of spring hunting/hunting from the manifesto. On the contrary the hunters present were assured by all and sundry that hunting would remain as pre-accession.
Now we get the self professed anti-hunting 'dads army' inciting governmnet to break the democratic obligation of 2003, which was further endorsed when governmnet choose to enter the ECJ court instead of bowing to the comission.
The lenghts the antis goto justify the ban is amazing:
Claliming hunters have access to all the country side, when most of the public land is off limits to hunters, with Kenedy Grove, Chadwich lakes, Ta Qali, Simar, Ghadira Xaghra l Hamra, Buskett, and the rest which totals 30 bird santuaries. Most hunters hunt in PRIVATE LAND. Even if a hunter uses public land, hunters pay taxes and licences and are part of the PUBLIC.
Hunters do not want special Maltese laws but the implimentation of the EU BIRDS DIRECTIVE, which is founded on sustainable hunting principles. Just let the government work within its parameters.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Jan 27th 2010, 19:26
The Maltese Government has a duty to apply a derogation for the opening of the Spring Hunting Season. The Maltese Hunters have been deprived of enjoying their pastime for the past 2 seasons. Apartfrom hunters, there are others like myself who believe that the Maltese are no inferior to other EU citizens! BLM's persistent unfounded statements have been nullified by none other than the ECJ.
"Let both hunters and non-hunters enjoy the countryside". C Mallia, you have a right to share public countryside with hunters! Of course, private countryside is out of bounds for you! This will be enjoyed solely by hunters during their Spring, Autumn and Winter Hunting Seasons!
"we are part of the EU and therefore HAVE to abide by the rules of the EU." Exactly Romaine. This is what the Maltese Government will be doing. Apply a derogation correctly and open the Spring Hunting Season - contrary to what you wish for!! I am sure you are aware that the ECJ forms part of the EU!
Finally, don't you think you are being disrespectful towards people around you, at this precise time?!
C James
Jan 27th 2010, 19:17
A Formosa - its true what you said about private property, but its also true that most hunters trample and roam about in the countryside as if they own it, regardless of it being private or not. i have my own private fields which are continously trampled about for woodcock and quail, especially in springtime in the cornfields for quail. Ask any farmer and he will tell you.
R Curmi
Jan 27th 2010, 19:15
P.S and since when allof ahrax is privetly owned by hunters. Just have a stroll there and u will find it loaded with gun handling individuals.
Not tomention that hunting is cruelty on rare animals
As for autumn hunting not an alternative to spring hunting. jesus u have a full 5 months of massacres in autumn which is way toolong in itself. You people really want the total wipeout of anything that is nature
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jan 27th 2010, 19:13
M Cardona
I follow your comments and admire your reasoning, however the petition Birdlife are circulating makes me disagree with your last comment re reconciliating our differences.
"In spite of overwhelming evidence of the ongoing and widespread killing of protected birds, the Government continues to downplay the true scale of this shameful practice. It is also considering to reopen the spring hunting season this year, in defiance of the European Court ruling that found Malta in breach of the Birds Directive for allowing hunting and trapping of Turtle Dove and Quail since Malta joined the EU. Another guilty verdict by the European Court will this time probably result in hefty fines that tax payers will have to pay."
No mention of the court ruling that unequivocally states that limited spring hunting is possible due to their not being a satisfactory solution in autumn, giving the impression that if the season reopens, Government will be defying the ECJ. The mention of non existent fines that are intended to scare people. And above all the linking of illegalities in order to get support.
Apart from this all not a mention of their agreement to respect judgement.
Cont.
R Curmi
Jan 27th 2010, 19:11
Reading through all the hunter lobby are saying I have to tend to confirm how arrogant these people really are. Just have look at Mr Anthony Formosa has to say.
In his piont 2) poeple are safer in the country side simply cause they dare not go there due to the loads of armied bullys roaming it.
His pt 1) Im rather sceptic tourist came less in some particular season casue hunting which they themselves abhor wasnt opened. Get a life man and stop talking from your behind
As for his last sentence.Pricelss. So what the island belongs to the hunters now? All those who own a field but are not hunters have to give it away to be used for hunting against their will?
As for bird sanctuaries u really should read more the papers and read where your buddy the hunter was shot. You sound like a typical hunter thus a guy who blasts anything with wings.
Hunters just love to downsize the real problem of poaching cause almost all of them are.
As for ECJ not concerned about shooting protected birds, its not their problem its ours. If u behave we wont complain
Anthony Formosa
Jan 27th 2010, 18:49
@ Charles Gauci, I was expecting this, Indeed he was, and it was wrong but he'll pay for it. BUT do anyone pay for entering in PRIVATE PROPERTY? or this is legal? Go on Sundays and public holidays in the afternoon and see by your eyes everyone roaming without even care about the no entry signs. Go and see the trash that is left behind, broken bottles and even syringes. What happens in spring and winter in our countryside, can be confirmed in summer on the beaches and cannot be denied, or is it ok for our children to be stung by a needle buried under the sand.
Mr Gauci, many places that the public in-general is enjoying today is merited to hunters and no other NGO.
C Mallia
Jan 27th 2010, 18:40
Dear Prime Minister
1. Do not deny the nation's countryside and restrict it to a small section of the population. With so many hunters roaming this limited countryside, no one feels safe to have walks, picnics and enjoy nature at the best time of the year. Let both hunters and non-hunters enjoy the countryside, as we have enjoyed it for the past 2 years.
2. FKNK has politically threatened you and has worked against you in the last election which you still won.
3. The ECJ ruling did not give you a mandate to open spring hunting. It only ruled on the years 2004-2007 on a presumed correct derogation. Malta still lost its case. FKNK are basing all their "right" on only a part of the ruling which does not automatically entitlement them to this right.
4. Remember how difficult it has been to control illegal hunting. How much shame it brings on ALL Malta and not just the hunters. Whatever self regulation the hunting lobby promise they just cannot be trusted. The past and the hunter's track record speaks volumes on this subject.
5. Finally you won the election by promising a green friendly government. Prove it.
Charles Gauci
Jan 27th 2010, 17:59
@ Anthony Formost
'Dear J. Borg, if you wish to enjoy the countryside in spring, go to Foresta 2000, or the nature BLM reserves, or bird sanctuaries and parks, because the rest of the countryside is PRIVATELY OWNED FOR HUNTING.
WAS IT NOT IN A BIRD SANCTUARY THAT VERY RECENTLY A HUNTER HIMSELF WAS GREVIOUSLY INJURED BY HIS HUNTER FRIEND?
E. Azzopardi
Jan 27th 2010, 17:13
It WILL not work for many reasons and we all know it.
Robert Sultana
Jan 27th 2010, 16:47
Excellent reasoning, M.Cardona . Prosit.
Anthony Formosa
Jan 27th 2010, 16:37
The PM should not treat hunters and trappers and their families as third class EU citizens, it was guaranteed by the PM, followed by MIC, MEPS, EU Commissioners, and most of all the EU negotiator Mr Verhuegen. Now its time to put all these statements in practice.
To all the antis,
1) Tourism was at its highest when spring hinting was open, and at its lowest when spring hunting was closed, so your theory is void.
2) People are more safe in the countryside than on our roads or pavements, so again your theory is null and void.
3) Hundreds of hunting derogations are applied by other EU countries, and Malta will apply for just ONE.
4) The government defended Malta’s case, and the ECJ ruled that Malta did not apply a proper derogation for 2004-2007 however it also ruled that Autumn is not an alternative for spring, and that gave the government the benefit of the case.
Dear J.Borg; If you wish to enjoy the countryside in spring, go to Foresta 2000, or the nature BLM reserves, or bird sanctuaries and parks, because the rest of the countryside is PRIVATELY OWNED FOR HUNTING.
N Xuereb
Jan 27th 2010, 16:34
@ Chris Grima... just see the result for the online poll on this same website. That's what will just happen if Gonzi does not stick to his proimise and the EJC decision. No need to indicate what goes where and who gets what.
Paul Barrett
Jan 27th 2010, 15:59
As far as I can see the previous years of Spring hunting were ruled as illegal.
There was nothing in the Court ruling which gave authority to allow Spring hunting in the future. The Court ruling however did give some indication as to what to include in an application for an exemption in future years from the birds directive.
It is up to the Government to decide if it wishes to apply for an exemption from the birds directive, presumably annually. If an application is not made and an exemption granted, the Government cannot legally authorise Spring hunting.
M. Cardona
Jan 27th 2010, 15:05
I consider this is a unique opportunity for both ends to finally come to a consensus as a starting point for the effective eradication of illegal practices. FKNK has already made it clear enough none will be tolerated and I sincerely believe in this stance. BLM coming across from the other end on limited spring hunting may prove a starting point somewhere in this eternal bone of contention.
After all both ends stand to gain. No more shot protected birds which I think was BLM's original agenda and no more contentions regarding spring hunting which I think was FKNK's ultimate agenda on this issue.
I reiterate my repeated claim that there are extremists in both camps of this debate. I believe that a workable solution lies with none of these ends. I dream of the day when certain extremist perspectives are eradicated and this is something highly achieveable particularly within this arising opportunity. If both ends were to work together the end result would be lasting and effective conservation and regeneration of our natural heritage.
Ironically, albeit unseen, the achieveability of consensus lies within this current contention!
M. Cardona
Jan 27th 2010, 15:04
@ J Borg
"Government can only apply for a derogation....the ultimate decision whether there can be hunting in Spring lies within the EC - after evaluating the submissions (if any) by Govt., hunters, BLM and taking into consideration the underlying costs and any (alleged) "benefits"
You may wish to note that being a sovereign government, any goverment in the EU can APPLY a derogation not APPLY FOR a derogation and subsequent to the application of a derogation, the government has to submit a report to pertinent Commission.
Irrespective of this technicality, may I ask you, sir/madam didn't things already go as you're suggesting?
For clarification purposes, BLM and Birdlife International referrred the case to the Commission via EP and the petitions board. Commission took Malta to the ECJ. Malta and Commission submitted their case thereat. ECJ ruled that derogation was not applied properly i.e. not in line with the principle of proportionality. ECJ also decreed that Autumn is not a satisfactory alternative to spring hunting.
Why then is the outcome being contested? Particularly moreso, when on the eve of September's ECJ ruling, when the decree was forecasted otherwise, Birdlife International declared ECJ ruling would be respected?
John Matthews
Jan 27th 2010, 15:00
GOOD LUCK HUNTERS/TRAPPERS
Yo've earned it and you deserve it!!!
Regards
John Matthews
To all anti hunting persons: Just abide by the ECJ decision. It looks as if BLM have reneged on their statement. Need I say more?
Joseph Brincat
Jan 27th 2010, 14:59
Go on, allow spring hunting and trapping.
After that allow abortion, divorce, nudism on public beaches, mercy killing and so on.
Chris Grima
Jan 27th 2010, 14:06
NO!
The greater majority of Maltese abhor hunting!
We are not going to allow this to happen!
C. L. Attard
Jan 27th 2010, 14:01
The PM will truly act "without fear or favour" by not giving in to pressure by the hunting minority. When the federation talks of 'rights' and 'equal citizens', they are conveniently ignoring the vast majority of citizens who are not hunters, and who have a civil right to enjoy our countryside at the best time of the year. In my opinion, if a party continues to favour the self-centred wants of hunters to the holistic detriment of the country and the rest of us, that party is giving a signal not of strength and fairness, but of desperation.
In spring, many EU countries actually produce leaflets to encourage people to enjoy their countryside, to benefit both local lifestyle and tourism. Will we instead place our countryside, limited as it already is, out of bounds to most locals and to tourists by allowing it to be dominated by guns? Is this the Brand Malta we boasted about?
As for poaching, since poachers are part of the only lobby in the country that wants spring hunting, i.e. hunters...how can poaching be irrelevant to the issue of spring hunting?
Sarah Camilleri
Jan 27th 2010, 13:49
May I remind everyone that EC Directives are like framework guidelines... it is up to the Government of Malta to issue regulations which meet the objectives of the directives.
If the Maltese Government wishes to ban Spring hunting, it would still be able to do so.
Gosh, how I wish we could rid this country of all these men running around with guns. The countryside sometimes looks more than the wild west than a place where one can enjoy nature.
Andrea Damato
Jan 27th 2010, 13:26
@ J.Borg
If you dont' understand simple english, i'm sorry it's your problem J.Borg!!!!!!!!
It's a sour pill to swallow , isn't it!!!
The ECJ's verdict is what it is and it's FINAL. Dr.Gonzi now can open a spring hunting season provided that it's fully complaiant with the derogation's conditions and hopefully i'm confident that this what will happen.
Another thing if you want to go walking in the countryside ( as you have every right to do ) keep to public land otherwise do as we hunters do i.e buy or lease the land by spending thousands of euros!!!
Phil Humphries
Jan 27th 2010, 13:10
".... a justified necessity for the Maltese hunters and trappers."
' Justified necessity?' - What !!!???
And what will happen if this 'Necessity' is denied? Will the ecomomy grind to a halt? Hmmm.? That could happen anyway.
Will we become overrun with Turtle Doves and Quail? - Doubtful.
Will hunters and their families face starvation? I don't think so.
Will hunters become so depressed that they cannot carry on? Possibly, in the most extreme cases, but I would venture to suggest that anyone in such an sorry state has deeper rooted problems and shouldn't have a gun anyway.
Hunting to put food on the table is a 'justiyable necessity' in some parts of the world. But killing for fun, or to satiate an uncontrolable blood lust is just plain sick. Unlike the FKNK, I hope the PM recognises the difference.
Kenneth Cassar
Jan 27th 2010, 13:10
@ J Farrugia:
Do you even know the ECJ ruling? Where does it say in the ruling that Maltese hunters have been given an automatic derogation?
Anthony Formosa
Jan 27th 2010, 13:07
The PM should not treat hunters and trappers and their families as third class EU citizens, it was guaranteed by the PM, followed by MIC, MEPS, EU Commissioners, and most of all the EU negotiator Mr Verhuegen (Documented). Now it's time to put all these statements in practice.
To all the antis:
1) Tourism was at its highest when spring hinting was open, and at its lowest when spring hunting was closed, so your theory is void.
2) People are more safe in the countryside than on our roads or pavements, so again your theory is null and void.
3) Hundreds of hunting derogations are applied by other EU countries, and Malta will apply for just ONE.
4) The government defended Malta’s case, and the ECJ ruled that Malta did not apply a proper derogation for 2004-2007 however it also ruled that Autumn is not an alternative for spring, and that gave the government the benefit of the case.
Dear J.Borg; If you wish to enjoy the countryside in spring, go to Foresta 2000, or the nature BLM reserves, or bird sanctuaries and parks, because the rest of the countryside is PRIVATELY OWNED FOR HUNTING.
Matthew Fenech
Jan 27th 2010, 13:04
@ J Farrugia
The case of the ECJ involved the illegal opening of Spring hunting of previous years and the government HAS LOST it. That is a fact. If the government opens the spring hunting season once again and does not fulfill the conditions set out in the birds directive (which is probably what will happen since these are very difficult to fullfill especially in the case of Malta), the government will be taken to court once again, only this time it will most probably involve financial penalties.
p. grixti
Jan 27th 2010, 12:54
@ D Borg Cardona.
Leaving the door ajar would not solve the rampant abuse that the so called conservationists did previously, and I wonder whether there will be auto regulation, judging by past performance. I do not subscribe to the notion of commom Joe being held to ransom excluding him from enjoying the countryside and nature in safety and without being hasslted and molested, as this will surely be another case of ksur tad drittijiet tal-Bniedem
N Xuereb
Jan 27th 2010, 12:52
After the numerous written promises by Eddie Fench Adami and Simon Busuttil, that the hunters will always hunt in Spring for the turtle dove and quail, even if limited and controled phases are nesseary, the PN can now give back one of their electoral promises. Now is also the time for Dr. Gonzi to stand up to his promise. He had promsied that he will stick to the EJC ruling. Now it is out and Spring hunting has been accepted after Autumn was found not to be an alternative. This will truly show if Dr. Gonzi does stick to his promises.
M.Brincat
Jan 27th 2010, 12:51
Gonzinu jhobb il-voti.
Gonzinu jkollu jhobb il-kaccaturi.
Jekk il-gvern ma jiftahx il-kacca jkun verament haqqu prosit, li ta priorita` lis-sens komun flok lil-voti.
Nistennew u naraw
Antoine Grima
Jan 27th 2010, 12:45
The government promised it , the government fought for it and now all that is left is to reopen it with the EU's blessing.
Chris Finch
Jan 27th 2010, 12:38
I can't understand how not opening the spring hunting season will allow more free rein to those that hunt illegally? Surely there will be more self styled wardens patrolling the countryside as all the thousands of law abiding hunters will be out practicing the zero tolerance to illegalities that they have told us so much about.
It can only mean less illegalities surely?
R Muscat
Jan 27th 2010, 12:34
Thank you FKNK for the great laugh I had when I saw this latest gaffe, you will be lucky to continue practising hunting at all, particularly if the number of poaching incidents and illegal practices continues.
Gone are the days when the government used to pander to the whims of the hunters, I remember meeting a dismayed marine environmentalist a few years ago who was leading a non profit organisation on marine conservation, something of utmost importance considering our dependence on the sea for tourism, food and drinking water.
The government had given the marine organisation a few hundred Lira and had given the hunting federation hundreds of thousands of Maltese lira !!!!!!
Thankfully those bleak days of abject ignorance are over and we are part of the EU and therefore HAVE to abide by the rules of the EU. I am sure that the request is now in the PMs paper recycling bin.
J Farrugia
Jan 27th 2010, 12:22
Are you abiding by the ruling of the ECJ? If Birdlife thinks that it can upbeat the ruling of the court then it's their funeral. The Court has spoken even if I dont agree with it, but being a law abiding citizen, I will accept that ruling whatever it was. Even though the hunters have lost their rights of being called civil, due to some of these hunters' arrogance and bullying, but still the court has spoken and no one, not even Birdlife can change that. Otherwise it will be anarchy and not justice. Both have accepted to go to the ECJ, and now they both have to abide by its ruling. That is the essence of democracy.
J. Borg
Jan 27th 2010, 12:21
@ Andrea Damato
- The ECJ did NOT authorise anyone to open Spring Hunting
- A shot in the countryside during a closed season would stark out like a sore thumb - and no hunter can excuse himself of having shot at a quail or turtle dove.
David Borg Cardona
Jan 27th 2010, 12:19
@ P. Grixti..
By opening the spring season the PM will not break the EU Birds directive. If I were you, I would carefully read the ECJ verdict where you will note that it has left a door ajar for the government to open a spring season within the parameters of the Birds Directive and sustainability. Its only the useless scaremongering tactics by BLM that are trying to state otherwise and at the end of the day we all know who is wrong and who is right..
J Azzopardi
Jan 27th 2010, 12:14
As the hunters' federation points out “The illegal shooting of protected bird species was never, and at no point, part of the ECJ case, and is irrelevant to the issue.” But that this practice is a fact can't be denied either. I for one am against hunting but it would never cross my mind to stop a law-abiding hunter to practice his hobby. However the abuses have long outweighed the legitimacy of their right to hunt.
As for “the manipulative confusing of public opinion “ by Birdlife, I'd ask the hunters' federation to stop insulting my, and the public's, intelligence.
C James
Jan 27th 2010, 12:14
What irks me most with hunters is why its only now that they want strict enforcement - "We urge you also to ensure the strict enforcement of the hunting regulations without fear or favour." - Why didnt they say this throughout the years when protected species where shot BLATANTLY? When stuffing birds was the order of the day for the majority of hunters.
if there is a slight possibility that spring hunting is allowed even for a few days i sincerely hope that law enforcement will be as strict as possible.
Cause allowing hunting in spring will be just right for illegalities to take place. At the end this will only backfire on our country.
So, in my opinion, if there is a slight chance that spring hunting is to be allowed hunters should be closely monitored. And not by marshalls.....but by the law. I am not against the principle of marshalling but i suspect the whole idea of the marshalls is just to downsize the number of illegalities. If the hunters want to be honest they know illegal hunting is not just a small problem.
J. Borg
Jan 27th 2010, 12:13
1.
Hunters have September till January to hunt to their heart's content - their claim for Spring concerns two specific birds. So is it justified that for hunters to satisfy their taste buds for two birds the general public and tourists are compelled to avoid the countryside in its best time during Spring?
2.
Government can only apply for a derogation....the ultimate decision whether there can be hunting in Spring lies within the EC - after evaluating the submissions (if any) by Govt., hunters, BLM and taking into consideration the underlying costs and any (alleged) "benefits"
3.
For those who naively refer to the EU Accession referendum.....those who voted YES did in fact vote to have such decisions divested from out spineless political class who sell their souls striving to buy votes - and have matters decided on the specific merits guided by quality of life of EU citizens
4.
Notwithstanding the above we are still lumped with decisions being taken but then enforcement thereof left in the hands of "our authorities" which somehow more often then not fail miserably in their duties.
Neil Sant
Jan 27th 2010, 12:13
I look forward to the day when we can enjoy the sight of birds flying overhead without seeing them blasted out of the sky. Let's see if the Government will have the courage to do the right thing and ban spring hunting once and for all. Let's do it for our children. Let them enjoy the countryside without being at risk of being shot by mistake, and let's stop polluting the water reserves with lead, which can cause brain damage.
p grixti
Jan 27th 2010, 12:04
Yes, Prime Minister, do cave in and break the EU Bird Directive......
Andrea Damato
Jan 27th 2010, 11:59
Dear anti's writing hereunder,
Please note that by Not allowing a spring hunting season( fully in line with the ECJ's verdict and Bird's directive derogation and also with the various promises made by the PN in black on white ) ONLY the law abiding hunters will be unjustly penalized and not the poachers. More than that, the few poachers will rejoice at the non-opening of a season as they will be left undisturbed breaking the law.
So, Yes Dr.Gonzi, you are now more than ever obliged to keep up to your party's promises and guarantees and open a spring hunting season fully in line with the ECJ's verdict and derogation conditions. We only want what it's our's nothing more and nothing less!!!
Alex Tanti
Jan 27th 2010, 11:54
How much taxpayers money will
GONZIPN
offer to silence the hunting federation, now?
Mario De Bono
Jan 27th 2010, 11:48
This is rdiculous. Hunting should NOT be allowed in Spring. Thats it. Can Birdlife organise a counter request for the Government to perpetually ban hunting inspring, short of bannng it completely. Or else tax cartriges to oblivion. That shoul ddo the trick nicely.
victor vella
Jan 27th 2010, 11:43
Can we submit a request to ban hunting?
D. Barry
Jan 27th 2010, 11:38
Yes, Mr PM, do allow spring hunting so that I can get shot at "by mistake" while taking a stroll in the countryside. Who knows, they might think I'm a FLAMINGO!
s sammut
Jan 27th 2010, 11:30
For the country's sake and issues such as tourism ETC. I hope that Prime Minister does not allow spring hunting to happen! Unfortunately this might be a bad for the hunters who obey the law, however when things are put on a scale I believe there is MUCH more advantages for the country in general, if spring hunting is banned.