Birdlife Malta and Alternattiva Demokratika have teamed up with nine other organisations to bring an end to spring hunting in Malta through an abrogative referendum.
The Coalition Against Spring Hunting formally announced its plans yesterday, saying it intended to end the practice “as soon as possible” primarily through lobbying in Malta and at EU level.
However, the campaigners have also set their sights on an abrogative referendum on spring hunting legislation and have already started collecting signatures.
They hope to abolish the ‘Framework Allowing a Derogation Opening a Spring Hunting Season for Turtledove and Quail Regulations’, which came from Legal Notice 221 of 2010 and is listed as subsidiary legislation 504.94.
“The coalition is focusing on the abolition of spring hunting because it is the time of year when birds are most vulnerable,” they said in a press release.
“They are migrating through Malta on their way to breed. A bird saved in spring has the chance to breed and increase the population.”
The other organisations involved are the Coalition for Animal Rights, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Gaia Foundation, Moviment Graffitti, Greenhouse Malta, Nature Trust (Malta) and the Ramblers Association of Malta.
AD chairman Arnold Cassola yesterday welcomed the setting up of the coalition.
Coalition is a living example of the strength of civil society
“This coalition is a living example of the strength of civil society since it brings together reputable organisations from different walks of life,” he said.
“We pledge to give all the support needed to the coalition in the collection of signatures for an abrogative referendum on spring hunting.”
Spring hunting has been a hot topic for decades but the two main political parties have long been reluctant to tackle the issue.
Though spring hunting is illegal at EU level, the Government has been trying to obtain a derogation, incensing environmentalists.
Last month, hunters shot a flamingo that was resting at Salina Bay, sparking outrage.
A Facebook group set up in the wake of the controversy calling for a referendum on hunting and trapping in Malta attracted more than 3,000 ‘likes’.
Questioned before becoming Prime Minister at the Big Debate organised by Times of Malta, Joseph Muscat said he was not prepared to hold a referendum on hunting. Then Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi did not share his reluctance.
The coalition can be contacted at: cashmalta2013@gmail.com.