A coalition has formally launched the process of gathering signatures for a petition to call for a referendum to end spring hunting.

At a press conference at Buskett Gardens yesterday, representatives of the 12 organisations involved signed to become lead petitioners for the vote.

“The referendum is a real chance for the people to end the cat-and-mouse game between the European Union and Malta, which means spring hunting continues against the wishes of the vast majority of the population,” said coalition spokesman Rudolph Ragonesi.

He described the Government’s decision to apply a derogation of the EU Birds Directive to allow spring hunting as “completely against the purpose of such derogations”.

Quoting the Birds Directive, Mr Ragonesi said Malta uses a clause to permit, under strictly supervised conditions and on a selective basis, the capture, keeping or other judicious use of certain birds in small numbers to allow hunting of turtle dove and quail.

“Killing for sport is not judicious use,” Mr Ragonesi said.

“Every year Malta risks fines that could amount to millions to allow something that is not good for bird conservation or in the best interests of responsible hunters. Maltese voters can stop this by signing the petition to help ensure the referendum takes place.”

Coalition spokesman Chris Debono said the Government was constantly changing the rules to justify spring hunting taking place under strictly supervised conditions required by the Birds Directive. Malta’s electoral law allows for an abrogative referendum, provided that the organisers present a petition representing at least 10 per cent of the electorate, which works out at a target of 34,000 signatures.