We have just ended an eight-day holiday in Malta, most of which was a positive experience. We enjoyed exploring all three islands by car and on foot and saw some beautiful scenery and many historic sites.

However, we felt we could not leave without speaking out about an incident that has coloured our opinion of this country and which would prevent us from returning or recommending a visit to our friends.

Two days ago, we were enjoying a lovely hike on the coast of Gozo just north of Għarb when we spotted a hunter striding along the cliffs with his gun. He was shooting at pigeons and turtle doves flying over the water. The birds he managed to hit fell into the ocean where they could not be retrieved. This was obviously not someone hunting legally for food but killing birds just for the heck of it. It was most upsetting and spoiled an otherwise lovely hike.

A short distance further on we came across a kestrel that had also been hit and could not fly but which was hobbling along on the ground, in all probability a victim of the same hunter.

The next day, we hiked up the cliffs south of the Azure Window in the Dwejra area and came upon a cage holding many wild birds captive. We were sorely tempted to release them.

We understand ecotourism is in its infancy in Malta. It is likely to remain so until something is done to halt this indiscriminate slaughter of wildlife.