Publio Danny Rosso, Sliema
The hunting saga: Lest we forget
The spring hunting issue has now become a never-ending torturous saga, indeed a topic surrounded by uncertainty and bitter controversy. In the light of the European Commissioner’s recent threat to once again take Malta to the European Court of Justice, it will not be amiss to remind all of the salient events since the eve of Malta’s accession to the EU.
During the EU referendum campaign, many hunters felt that joining the EU was a great concern and to many a mental conflict as while from the political, economic and social aspect they favoured Malta becoming a member state, they were apprehensive of the future of their passionate hobby, in particular spring hunting. To many this is their only recreation.
The air was soon cleared of this uncertainty. The Malta-EU Information Centre (MIC), in its special edition of Aġġornat of October 2002 – Special Edition number 13, unequivocally publicly declared Malta had closed negotiations on the environment and, inter alia, stated: “Bird hunting will continue in spring.”
On February 5, 2008, Simon Busuttil, in reply to my letter of February 2, assured me MIC’s publication was truthful and based on, among other things, the official EU Common Position dated September 27, 2002 on the results of accession negotiations on the environment (CONF-M 110/02), which acknowledged it is indeed possible to use a derogation available in EU law to allow spring hunting under certain conditions and that Malta would be doing so after accession. He also added: “This was confirmed again by the European Commission in its announcement only last week.”
This guarantee was also confirmed by Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami who went as far as signing and mailing thousands of letters informing individual hunters that spring hunting will continue following accession.
The hunting federation, FKNK, still had reservations and warned that joining the EU would jeopardise the future of hunting in Malta. Frankly, I simply could not understand how FKNK could make such statements after the government’s clear and unambiguous assurances. I was wrong; FKNK were right.
Eventually, confronted with these facts, the European Commission that had brought Malta before the ECJ and Günter Verheugen, EU Commissioner for Enlargement during Malta’s negotiations, said they never gave any commitments. Mr Verheugen and other EU officials know very well that, if such statements were false, they should have shouted out in good time; as the saying goes, silence is consent. It is a pity that Malta’s accession, in my opinion a very important milestone in our history, was tainted with this lamentable comedy.
Following accession, spring hunting seasons opened from 2004 through to 2007. In February 2008, the commissioner decided to take Malta before the ECJ claiming it was in breach of the Birds Directive, basing its argument mainly on its contention that autumn provided a satisfactory alternative.
Notwithstanding the past declarations, all interested parties, including the Maltese government, FKNK and BirdLife agreed that the ECJ is the best place where this agonising matter should be settled. FKNK and BirdLife both declared the ECJ’s decision would be respected. In the meantime, until the ECJ was considering the case, the Maltese hunter was deprived of the 2008 and 2009 seasons. This year was marked by a pseudo opened season.
In September 2009, to the surprise of many, many who either know very little about the turtle dove or quail migration or who are very knowledgeable but have little faith in the ECJ, the Court held that the government of Malta improperly applied a derogation but did not dismiss Malta’s right to a derogation to allow spring hunting. More than that, the ECJ rejected the claim by the Commission that autumn is a satisfactory alternative.
However, notwithstanding statements and promises made prior to the announcement of the ECJ’s judgment, BirdLife, again, did not honour its promise to respect the ECJ’s decision and embarked on its usual campaign in an attempt to stop the Maltese government from applying the derogation within the parameters of article 9 (1) of Directive 79/409/ EEC. Worse than that, the Commissioner is now, again, threatening us with heavy fines.
Hats off to the government’s declaration that this is our right and that we will not be scared by the commissioner’s threats. The Maltese government is obliged to stand its ground to preserve our rights as full EU citizens. There were a number of negotiated derogations prior to accession; spring hunting is just one of them.
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J. Borg
Nov 20th 2010, 15:18
I thank Mr.Rossi for pointing out that it was (only) the hunters, who may have voted Yes based on what they felt about hunting – rather than the whole 143,000(53.7%) who voted Yes.
If hunters believe that they had let themselves be taken for a ride (after_holding_spineless_politicians_at_ransom_for_years_on_end) – then they are free to institute legal action against the persons concerned. In the meantime everyone else can get some solace that some basic standards are being set (and_hopefully_effectively_maintained), without the threats (verbal_or_otherwise), of some local camouflaged trigger-happy, particularly sociable and uniquely cultured blokes, blinded by their lust to a kill ‘thrill’.
It seems that a refreshing Spring early morning walk with one’s dog through the countryside, enjoying the sights and sounds nature blesses us with, is not suffice for those adamant to complement such tranquility with shotgun blasts, lead spraying and blood-stained lifeless feathered bodies – to the detriment of everyone else.
As to why 10,000 hunters cannot kill 25,000 doves?
….maybe the fact that for the umpteenth time even this year, somehow some hunters still cannot distinguish falcons, ospreys, kestrels, herons, marsh harriers, flamingos and even a black stork, from a turtle dove, comes into it!
Anthony Formosa
Nov 20th 2010, 16:55
It seems that a refreshing Spring early morning walk with one’s dog through the countryside, enjoying the sights and sounds nature blesses us with, is not suffice for those adamant to complement such tranquility with shotgun blasts, lead spraying and blood-stained lifeless feathered bodies – to the detriment of everyone else.
What a lovely Novel by J.Borg. Since when everyone decided to take their dog to the countryside instead of using the pavements, or is it that it is more dangerous being on the pavement rather than being showered by lead spraying or tripping on some blood stained bird. Come on J.Borg remove your imaginations.
Johnny Xerri
Nov 21st 2010, 10:03
Mr or Ms J Borg,
Using your line of thought, aren't the antis also trying t hold at ransom politicians....they even have a green party aimed at intimidating govternments to either adopt their policies or lose votes? However, what success did the green party or cadidates garnish? At most 2 euro cents worth of votes. So much so that government did not choose to gain votes by promising an end to spring hunting, but rather that hunting would continue.
I voted yes, in my country's best interest and my best interest. If that is the thanks I get, from now on I will not vote in my country's best interest....but only in my best intesrest.
As for your crusade against hunting....are you aware that no matter how much petty arguments you and your ilk presented, I was still hunting this spring....with a much larger game bag than the govt gave us? Yes thats it in a week I hunted 400 wood pigeons + other birds....of course if its done in the UK its no problem...only Malta is submissive enough to the antis and the Commission and ready to bow its head to electoral obligation.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Nov 20th 2010, 14:59
A thorough description of events Mr Publio Danny Rosso. Far from shouting out in good time, the EU's Commissioner for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen had stated on Xarabank that Spring Hunting will NOT be effected following Malta' accession to the EU. This is documented.
It is disappointing to learn through Mr Mark Mifsud Bonnici's contribution that the Maltese Government is defending the case for only 2,500 hunters annually!! When is our Government expected to abide by its undertaking to ALL hunters??!! Shame and Shame! Maybe it is the Finnish Government who can truly boast of "Par idejn sodi"!!!
Chris Finch
Nov 20th 2010, 14:25
A legal Spring hunting season (apart from all the illegal hunting that took place) did take place in 2010. It was the FKNK who effectively closed the season (even expelling those that did hunt) for its members, not the EU.
mario salnitro
Nov 20th 2010, 13:40
Danny i had told you what will happen!!
It happened now we are all crying.
Just one thing for sure the PN is just playing with words and knowing that 40 to 45% of voters a were Nationalist they will keep on doing it.
Wake up do not let these arrogant liars make fools out of you.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Nov 20th 2010, 13:07
In Sweden: http://www.swedishepa.se/en/In-English/Menu/GlobalMenu/News/Licensed-hunting-of-27-wolves-in-2010/
"The latest count carried out last winter revealed that there were between 182 and 217 wolves. Having considered all the relevant factors, the Swedish EPA has decided on a total licensed hunting quota of 27 wolves. The Swedish Government has decided that ANYONE wishing to take part in licensed hunting must be registered for this purpose in the National Hunting Register.
The total number of hunters in Sweden is 260,000 - ANYONE CAN TAKE PART in the licensed hunting to catch 27 wolves out of a population of 182 to 217 wolves.
In Malta, either through intent, fear of repercussions, or plain stupidity our Government is defending a legislation for spring hunting that permits 2,500 out of 10,000 hunters to shoot 25,000 birds out of a population around 35,000,000.
WOLVES MIGHT NOT BE BIRDS, MALTA MIGHT NOT BE FINLAND, BUT DEFINITELY WHAT ONE GOVERNMENT CAN ATTAIN SO CAN ANOTHER.
So what exactly prompted Dr. Gonzi to be so prudent? Intimidation by the Commission of the EU's small fry? Allegiance to Birdlife? His own meddling in matters?
Whatever the reason, another PN mess to our guaranteed hunting.
Joe Camilleri
Nov 20th 2010, 12:47
A very well written letter by Mr Publio Danny Rosso. Just the truth and nothing but the truth.
Hear for yourselves Verheugen promises before Malta joined the EU and with what cheek he had to say after Malta joined the EU.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iRNln1D7fs
Anthony Formosa
Nov 20th 2010, 12:30
Very informative indeed, and I hope many will follow Mr Tanti way of understanding. Mr Tanti should know that not all the antis are genuine, many of the antis there concern is far from the protection of birds. Mr Rosso missed the fact that even Birdlife accepted that hunting can be allowed on two species in spring but after joining the EU they made a U turn.
Martin Frendo
Nov 20th 2010, 18:16
what other concern is there then???
Stop the senseless mud-throwing and concentrate on poacher-throwing out of the hunting community. Or is it you with an ulterior motive for having as many shotguns out in the countryside as possible???
Henry Fenech Azzopardi
Nov 20th 2010, 11:54
There is not much more to add to the sequence of events as put in place by Mr Publio Danny Rosso. I fully endorse the statements publications refered to by Mr Rosso. No matter what, no one, not even the hard core anti hunting can deny these facts.
We have waited far too long and now it is time for the government to defend not just our cause but also his own stand and promises that no Birdlife can argue.
We hunters have a big role to play. We have to safeguard our rights not only with the European Union but also with the General Public by protecting our legitimate right and fight against illegal activity. Progress has been recorded and declared by the Assisten Police Commissioner. Much more has still to be done and presently I feel that all NGOs should contribute to this cause.
Making pressure on the government to abolish hunting to curb illegal activity is just an excuse and in iteslf is a mistrust in the authoriities to monitor this mal practice.
The antis are just using the excuse of fines as a smoke screen to abolish even the opportunity to hunt just two species.
GIVEUSABREAK
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Nov 20th 2010, 10:54
Well put Mr.Rosso, a never ending charade showing the influence of BirdConservationists upon a SUPPOSEDLY IMPARTIAL COMMISSION.
One point that many overlook. Government is defending our right, as it would defend any other Maltese right. However the whole spring hunting affair is marked with controversy. Saviour Balzan as Malta's BirdDirective advisor, guarantees that were faulted within a couple of years etc.
Government is defending, according to its OWN framework for future spring hunting, a right for 2,500 hunters and not for all 10,000. So if Government gets its way, which I am sure it will, this would mean each hunter has a right to hunt every four years.
Government assuming the ECJ case a lost case (consequently the end of spring hunting) and surprised that it wasn't, found a way of limiting hunters that it would rather see none of.
A recent ECJcase about wolf hunting in Finland proves that limited hunting does not mean limited hunters. Out of a total population of wolves(c.160) Finnish hunters are allowed to shoot 22 and all 308,000hunters are given that chance ( http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Finland%E2%80%99s+wolf+population+has+collapsed+in+the+last+few+years/1135260922925 )
So Only Government knows why 10,000 hunters cannot hunt the allowed 25,000doves?
M Debono
Nov 20th 2010, 11:31
@ MMB
Hunters can hunt in autumn each and every year and not every 4 years. Toqghodx tkabbarhom!
joseph lia
Nov 20th 2010, 12:57
Well said and throughout all this farce where does the traditional finch capturer stand?
Deprived of his civil right and privilage (as decreed by the ECJ) to exercise the indigenous way-of-life. The government keeps putting the spring hunting issue as priority, and as well it should, but why have the Maltese and Gozitan finch trappers been unceremonously and inexplicably deprived of, at least, a reasonable and well monitored autumn season?
Without going into the merits of other EU member states legally practicing this age-old custom, were is the alternative satisfactory solution for the finch-trapper? Wasn't this same dilettante guaranteed and assured as stated by Mr Rosso similarly to the hunters, by the very same authorities prior EU accession and beyond? And please STOP mixing captive breeding as an alternative for finch trapping, they are 2 completely different passions.
Charles Tanti
Nov 20th 2010, 10:14
I must admit i'm against blood sports and I have followed the so called saga here in Malta,however as a nationist supporter and reading this letter from Mr.Rosso, the present government MUST do its upmost to keep its word regarding the facts stated in this letter. It was written and verbally promised on many occasions by many different people including Mr.Günter Verheugen himself.
I hope that Turtle Doves and Quails do not migrate over malta next spring but I certainly hope that the Maltese hunters are all out in the countryside, armed and ready, legally and anxiously waiting for their prey. As their Eurpean counterparts will be doing anyway.
Not many anti's would agree with me, my wife certainly doesn't but what is rightfully theirs must be given back in full.
C.Tanti