Society expects the spring hunting season to be suspended at the first sign of illegalities, a Birdlife spokesman said yesterday

Addressing a press conference a few hours after the referendum result was announced, Mark Sultana (pictured with Geoffrey Saliba, sitting to his right) said he was quite confident the season would be closed if illegal activities occurred, as this was what the people expected.

“We have seen this in the past but now society will not accept less than this from the government.”

He was reacting to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s comment that the hunting lobby had been given one final chance and would have to use it wisely.

However, he did not agree with Dr Muscat that the hunting lobby had been marred by a “few” people who ignored the law.

“This is not the case. I spend time out there with hunters and I know what I’m saying when I say illegalities are part and parcel of the spring hunting season,” he said.

Asked whether the current enforcement of regulations was enough, Mr Sultana said the electorate had shown through its vote that it expected a lot when it came to ensuring illegalities were kept to a minimum.

Asked about the determining factors in the referendum, Mr Sultana said there had been an element of both fear and solidarity from those who voted to retain the contentious practice.