A turtle dove, one of the species that can be hunted in spring. Photo: Natalino Fenech

More than half the population – 51 per cent – believes spring hunting should be banned and a majority feels the activity limits public access to the countryside, according to the latest survey.

The Din l-Art Ħelwa study finds that 55 per cent of those aged over 16 feel that access to the countryside is limited during the spring hunting season, with the figure shooting up to 63 per cent for those aged 35 to 44.

Only 21 per cent of respondents think enforcement of hunting laws is adequate, according to the survey conducted as part of the DLĦ’s Save The Countryside campaign. The data analysis was produced by Misco International among 500 people.

There should be more enforcement on hunting and trapping during both the spring and autumn seasons, according to 65 per cent of the population. Citizens over 65 show most concern over the matter, followed by those aged 45 to 54.

The survey reinforces the conclusions reached by other studies showing women and students are more likely to support a spring hunting ban than men. In fact, 53 per cent of women believe spring hunting should be banned, as do 61 per cent of students.

The government seems out of touch with the expectations and concerns of Malta’s citizens

Only 30 per cent of the population is against a ban on spring hunting, while 19 per cent did not express an opinion.

The results are very different for autumn hunting, with respondents making a clear distinction between the two seasons, with 40 per cent of respondents against an autumn hunting ban. Almost the same number, 39 per cent, are in favour of such a ban.

Again, women and young people are more likely to support a ban on autumn hunting.

A strong majority, 97 per cent, believe more protection of the countryside is needed. “This shows the government seems out of touch with the expectations and concerns of Malta’s citizens,” DLĦ said.

Half the population, 50 per cent, say they walk or drive in the countryside each week in spring, with a further 20 per cent doing so two or three times a month.

The DLĦ’s campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of avoiding loss of the countryside, especially due to overdevelopment. It seems to be an interest shared by the majority of the population as the survey shows 73 per cent of citizens are concerned over the potential loss of biodiversity in the country.

Key figures

• 51% believe spring hunting should be banned.

• 63% of those aged 35 to 44 say access to the countryside is limited during the spring hunting season.

• 65% of the population believe more enforcement of hunting and trapping laws is needed during both the spring and autumn seasons.

• 97% want more protection of the countryside.