Din l-Art Helwa this morning expressed concern at the government's decision to again allow hunting until 7pm in September, removing the 3pm hunting curfew intended to protect migrating birds of prey during this period.

It said in a statement that apart from the increased threat to migrating birds, extending the hunting hours limited the enjoyment of the countryside and nature for families and the public, and only served the interests of hunters.

"Instead of proposing new ideas and measures to improve the protection of the environment and to prevent potential abuse, the government is taking a step backwards by easing up existing environmental regulations to appease the hunting lobby," it said.