Hunters were instructed to stop ramblers from entering private property yesterday after their association supported a referendum to ban spring hunting.
The hunters’ federation (FKNK) said it was taken aback by the Ramblers’ Association’s stand, despite having offered a “hand of friendship” to the organisation.
Hunters are contesting a proposal by Alternattiva Demokratika, the Green party, which is calling for a referendum to be held to ban spring hunting outright.
A coalition calling for the referendum has been joined by several NGOs including Nature Trust, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Birdlife and, more recently, Friends Of the Earth.
Friends Of the Earth said yesterday: “For too long, the country has been held to ransom by a large minority when most Maltese abhor the hunting and trapping of birds.”
The organisation urged other NGOs to join the coalition, insisting it was “the only democratic path that would ultimately give the Government a legal mandate on how to proceed on this contentious issue.”
Ramblers’ Association president Alex Vella opposed the FKNK’s directive, insisting his organisation had never instructed its members to access private land nor had the federation granted access to any such property.
“We always respect private property. Furthermore, we don’t go where hunting and trapping takes place. Spring is definitely not for hunting. We will continue to support this cause. Threats like these won’t change our stand,” he said.
AD deputy chairman Carmel Cacopardo expressed his de-light at the support being given to the coalition.
“The invitation is still open to more NGOs to join the coalition. AD and the NGOs involved are all committed to seeing spring hunting abolished once and for all,” Mr Cacopardo said.
The prospect of a referendum on spring hunting was originally raised at The Big Debate between the leaders of the main parties organised by Times of Malta during the election campaign last February.
At the time, Joseph Muscat had said he was against a referendum on the issue.
“There are laws and we’ll adhere to them,” Dr Muscat had said.
Some 48 infringements were reported by the police during the spring hunting period between April 10 and 30.