Hunters could expect harsher restrictions after Sunday’s unruly protest but the hunting suspension will not extend beyond October 10, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.

“These events [the protest] will pave the way for even stricter rules,” a spokesman for Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said yesterday, without elaborating.

The hunting federation yesterday went to court over the suspension. It filed a judicial protest against the government, holding it responsible for damages and accusing it of “collective punishment”. The FKNK called for the decision to be revoked.

The Prime Minister and the Labour Party were at the centre of harsh and vulgar criticism by hunters who took part in the street protest that was not authorised by hunting organisations.

“The suspension of the autumn hunting season should serve as a warning for the future and encourage bona fide hunters to report criminals,” the spokesman said.

Law-abiding hunters must feel hurt but would surely not resort to such tactics

On Saturday the autumn hunting season was suspended until October 10 with the official reason being the increased shooting of protected birds.

However, the temporary ban also coincides with a forthcoming visit by EU officials to assess the hunting situation as well as Environment European Commissioner-designate Karmenu Vella’s questioning by MEPs on Monday.

Mr Vella is expected to face flak from certain quarters over Malta’s hunting reputation.

The spokesman said the Prime Minister believed that those who protested in Valletta did not represent the hunting community.

“Law-abiding hunters must feel hurt by the decision [to close the season] but would surely not resort to such tactics,” he added.

He defended the decision to suspend the season, insisting the government was true to its word.

While hunting rules were made “more realistic”, the government had warned it would put in place the tightest enforcement ever, the spokesman said.

“The government also welcomes the fact that the hunting federations have distanced themselves from these bravados.”

But hunting federation CEO Lino Farrugia was unimpressed by the explanations.

While condemning the protest and violence that ensued, he insisted hunters were very angry because of the collective punishment imposed on them.

“I will condemn all violence but I can never agree with collective punishment.

“The decision to suspend what is a normal hunting season is a big mistake,” Mr Farrugia said when asked whether his condemnation sounded hollow when he said that he understood hunters’ frustration.

Collective punishment was even considered a war crime and was opposed at EU level when contemplated in some countries, he added.

Mr Farrugia, who was in Brussels for a meeting on the Birds Directive, said he did not yet know whether those who participated in the protest were FKNK members.

He said the federation did not exclude organising street protests.

Fake gun hunter interrogated

“We have immense pressure from our members,” he said.

Sunday’s protest did not have a permit, according to the police.

Although the right of peaceful assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution subject to certain provisions such as maintaining public order, the law prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people unless a permit is sought.

Sources said the police yesterday interrogated a handful of hunters, who were at the protest, including one who sported a fake firearm.

Protestors hurled abuse and even threw a bottle towards the Labour Party club in Valletta in full view of the police. A journalist and photographer from Times of Malta were manhandled and had to be escorted by the police.

MHRA called for ‘swift action’ against perpetrators

Asked why nobody was arrested on site, the police would only say that investigations were under way.

After the protest a small group of hunters drove to Buskett where they attacked birdwatchers. A seven-year-old boy witnessed the violence.

But even as the hunting ban took effect, a grey heron, a protected bird, yesterday crash-landed on the porch of a Buġibba house.

It had a broken leg and what appeared to be gunshot wounds under its wing. The bird was collected by the police, who are investigating the case.

Sunday’s incidents were condemned by the Nationalist Party, Alternattiva Demokratika and environmental groups.

In a statement yesterday, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association urged the government to be tough on crime and tough on its causes, calling for “swift and effective action” against the perpetrators.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com