On Sunday morning, as I do every day, I took my dog for a walk. Normally, this is quite a pleasant experience, with Suzie walking happily by my side as I enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Mellieħa countryside.

Not on this occasion, however. I had to cut our ‘outing’ short, as the dog – very susceptible to loud noise – became a nervous wreck.

The reason? A cacophony of loud bangs as our brave hunters went into a three-hour frenzy of incessant shooting. I was sickened by the barrage, from which no bird could have escaped. I could also imagine the damage to the soil through lead poisoning.

I hoped against hope no protected birds had come to roost in the Mellieħa/Burmarrad area, as the strafing of the skies would have made no distinction bet-ween what could or couldn’t be shot at.

When will our politicians (of both parties) stop thinking of votes and finally wake up to the fact we are now living in the 21st century, when we no longer need to hunt for our food?

Birds are God’s creation to be enjoyed by all, and not just for a bloodthirsty minority. If hunters enjoy shooting at flying targets, let them join a clay pigeon shooting club, and leave our feathered friends for the rest of us, and our children, to admire and enjoy.