I was recently in Malta, staying on the eastern side of Rabat. I read the Times of Malta and was shocked by the actions of some 30 yobs – they do not deserve to be called ‘hunters’ – and one hopes their actions against innocent bird watchers will lead to their conviction.

Having listened for quite a long time to the persistent sound of firearms being used over the valley, when on my balcony, a number of things occur to me.

Malta is a small country and the amount of ‘hunting’ land cannot be large. The numbers who call themselves hunters would seem excessive, considering the amount of wildlife that must live in these small areas.

Do the normal population of Malta want all this wild destruction? Hunting should be much better regulated. Indeed licences should be rarely granted. The yobs should have their licences revoked. Indeed – why not abolish hunting altogether!