Society is being encouraged to do what politicians have been too scared to do for years and vote against spring hunting in April’s abrogative referendum.
Unveiling its campaign – SHout, spring hunting out – the Coalition Against Spring Hunting said several personalities from different backgrounds had come forward as ambassadors to back its cause.
Former Birdlife Malta president Joseph Mangion said this was an opportunity for the Maltese who were unhappy with the situation to abolish spring hunting for the good of birds and the countryside.
“Birds are beautiful flying free and Malta is the only EU country where spring hunting is allowed. This is not justified when hunters have a five-month autumn season,” he said.
Flanked by animal activist Moira Delia and Malta Today managing editor Saviour Balzan, Mr Mangion said it made “no sense” to kill birds on their way north to lay eggs and raise their young.
“Let’s conserve nature and not kill species trying to procreate... People have a right to enjoy the countryside in spring without worrying that they may be hit by pellets or thrown out... Don’t be intimidated. Let’s vote No,” he said, to loud applause from a hall packed with supporters at St James Cavalier, Valletta.
Mr Mangion said society had trusted politicians but they did not deliver. It was now time for the people to speak out, irrespective of their political colour.
Asked if the coalition feared people would vote according to the political party leaders’ position – both Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil are voting to maintain spring hunting –Mr Balzan acknowledged this would happen.
“The political parties have not issued directives on how to vote. Of course, there will be those who will follow their leader but time has shown the electorate is not blind,” he said.
He rubbished hunters’ scaremongering tactics that the hobbies of other minority groups would be targeted next, describing these claims as utter “nonsense”.
“A referendum such as this can only abolish existing laws. There is a specific law permitting spring hunting and this referendum allows people to vote to have it removed.
A referendum on fireworks, festas, horse racing and other activities is impossible
“An abrogative referendum cannot be applied to other things, since there are no laws allowing fireworks, festas, horse racing and other activities.
“There are only laws controlling them. A referendum on these matters is impossible,” he stressed.
“Hunters will still be allowed to hunt in autumn. They are trying to deceive you by claiming their rights are being eroded.
“Let us break with the past and with this cycle of hunters’ bullying, intimidation and frightening the people, once and for all.”
The coalition has successfully petitioned Malta’s constitutional court with more than 40,000 signatures demanding an abrogative referendum on whether Malta’s derogation from the EU’s Birds Directive, which bans hunting in spring, should remain part of the nation’s legislation.
Over the next three months, the coalition will be providing voters with all the information they need to make an informed decision.
Among the personalities backing the campaign are fashion stylist Carina Camilleri, cartoonist Seb Tanti Burlò, musician Renzo Spiteri, radio DJ Frank Zammit, band frontman Nick Morales. Other personalities will be added as the campaign progresses.
www.springhuntingout.com