Four trappers, one of whom was "suicidal", were last week hospitalised because of depression, only a month away from the ban on the practice, the hunters' federation said yesterday.

Accusing birdwatchers of social hatred and discrimination after they asked the police to assess depressed hunters and, if necessary, suspend their licences, the federation said it hoped such comments would not stop hunters seeking professional advice for fear of losing their permits.

"The federation is certain the police will not be coerced to tamper with any doctor-patient confidential relationship and also that any doctor will be well aware of his professional duty and would know precisely if and when to report extreme cases to the police," it continued.

Nevertheless, it said it was aware of one member whose shotguns were confiscated because he was not mentally stable.

"What investigation is expected with regard to the suicides that occurred as a direct result of the same sad circumstances? In our opinion, someone should investigate who, why and what led to this depressing situation locally," it said.

The federation said the birdwatchers' comments caused great harm to those suffering from mental illness and their families because they might imply that patients were automatically a threat to themselves.