The referendum No campaign stressed today that a vote against spring hunting would lead to a safer, better countryside for the young, especially as more birds were free to breed.

No campaigners handed out leaflets in Marsascala this afternoon and spokeswoman Moira Delia delivered a short address in which she noted that in 2008 and 2009, when spring hunting was banned because of a case before the European Court, an increase in birds breeding in Malta was noted.

One could only imagine the sharp increase in breeding after a few years if spring hunting was banned outright, she said.

Enjoying the countryside was important for everyone, she said, particularly for children, but when spring hunting was allowed, many kept away.

Children, she said, deserved better.