Alternattiva Demokratika would abolish spring hunting should it be elected to Parliament.

The Green party’s chairman, Michael Briguglio, said AD’s manifesto contained a whole chapter about animal welfare.

He expressed disappointment that the two big parties had remained silent about the issue of spring hunting.

Electoral candidate Angele Deguara insisted on harsher penalties for animal cruelty, including neglect and dog and rooster fighting.

The authorities should not issue permits for animal circuses and pet shops should be monitored regularly.

AD would also encourage the adoption of abandoned animals as the preferred form of pet ownership.

“Animals, like people, have emotions and should be treated with dignity so penal-ties should reflect the seriousness of animal cruelty,” she said.

Admitting that the introduction of micro-chipping had a positive effect, spokesman Simon Galea said Malta should adhere to European Union regulations that protected animals reared in intensive farming while an effective monitoring system was installed in slaugh-terhouses, livestock farming places and transportation.

Referring to Labour’s political manifesto which was launched on Wednesday, Dr Briguglio questioned the proposed Animal Commissioner‘s position when it came to hunting, animal circuses and their welfare.