I would like to ask – since some show disgust at the hunting of birds – what is the general feeling about fish suffocating to death after being caught in a net or pulled out of the water once hooked?

Are meat eaters conscious of the fact that all meat consumed comes from animals slaughtered in some way or another before it reaches their plate?

Yet 40,000 people, most of whom have no problem eating meat, signed a petition to ban spring hunting practised by a minority. They claim this was done to allow birds to breed and not to be shot, yet no one bothers to see what fish are doing before they’re caught, or whether chickens object to their eggs being taken. Neither do we give animals slaughtered a choice or attempt to protect them.

What if 40,000 people try to ban fireworks, football on weekends, gay marriage, horses on our roads or any other activity they might object to?

As it stands, our abrogative referendum law permits this and needs urgent revision unless minorities are of no interest to our elected politicians.

We all rightfully rose in support following the Charlie Hebdo massacre not only because innocent lives were taken but primarily because our freedom of expression has been threatened. I am no hunter but when I see a minority sector of Maltese society being abused by a majority of the Maltese public I too rise in support.

On April 11, spring hunting lies in the balance due to some people’s egoism. Are you prepared to see your lifestyle ruined or your legal activity denied due to a weakness in our laws by those prepared to abuse them?

From now until April 11, I too am a hunter.