For the last few years, I have been visiting Malta on an annual basis with a group of about 20 walking friends. We love Malta, its people, culture and architecture. I admired the strength of the people who had to endure all the wars and invasions that were inflicted on the island.

We appreciate that we could have great walking and swimming holidays in Malta.

Our only complaint is the incessant sound of shooting coming from all directions.

This has ruined our holidays on many occasions to such an extent that my walking friends will not return to Malta again.

They are afraid to walk on public pathways, they are shocked by the loud, close, sudden sounds of shooting and saddened that some small birds are being killed at that moment.

Needless to say, we cannot include children on our holidays as they would be distressed by this endless slaughter.

This unnecessary hunting infringes on a much larger number of both locals and tourists who want to walk in relative peace and safety.

Malta is lucky to have such a beautiful country with a fabulous coastline and year-round sunshine. I truly believe that many, many more people would go to Malta for healthy walking and hiking holidays if the shooting were to be stopped.

The ever-growing older retired community is always looking for walking holidays in the sun.

A bird is not owned by only one section of the population. It can be enjoyed by the sighted by looking at it, by the blind by listening to its song, by artists who draw it and it is a wonder to children who can see that such a small thing can be so clever at building and feeding.

It is not just for killing.