I found the editorial of September 12 to be unfairly misleading. The hunting federation has been seeking a revision of the hunting laws for years, and not just now, before a general election.

Contrary to prejudiced thinking, the federation’s proposals are avant-garde, including the creation of a Wildlife Crime Unit, and the introduction of strict tests for new applicants of hunting licences.

I was present at the FKNK press conference on September 10. The increase in bag quotas for turtledove and quail is only theoretical because these birds do not pass over Malta in such quantities. The justifiable reasons behind the demand for this increase, though explained, were omitted from The Times’ report.

The federation does acknowledge that Malta has to adhere to EU rules, and in the case of spring hunting, as endorsed by the European Court of Justice ruling of September 10, 2009.

Far from leaving “a door ajar to interpretation” the court decision paved the way for limited spring hunting. The European Commission acknowledged that fact, and, indeed, has negotiated with the Maltese government, at the latter’s request, a legislative framework permitting spring hunting in accordance with the court’s ruling.

The hunters’ representatives know exactly what is permissible or not under EU rules, and they will not be deceived by promises going beyond those same rules from any political party. Therefore, in that regard, the editor’s concern about Labour Party promises appears misplaced.

Only aspects of the local regulations unconnected with EU rules (e.g. hunting ban on September afternoons) may be amenable to “arm-twisting” and “vote threats”.

There is no doubt that Birdlife Malta’s occasional reports of hunting illegalities are often blown out of proportion by sensational reporting. Undoubtedly also certain ‘hunters’ cannot be trusted. This notwithstanding, the FKNK and Kaċċaturi San Ubertu are trying to stamp out illegalities, to the extent of expelling any members convicted by the courts of serious hunting offences. The least the Government can do is to show its appreciation of their efforts by paying attention to their proposals.