Birdlife has complained to the prime minister that the Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU) is taking a position in favour of hunting, despite it being a government entity.

It also pointed out in a statement that the unit had not produced any scientific evidence to justify the hunting of 5,000 turtle dove in the spring, despite the breed being recognised abroad as being endangered.

In its letter to Dr Muscat, the NGO said the Wild Birds Regulation Unit had tried to discredit its arguments that hunting for turtle dove in the spring was unjustified. But the absence of scientific evidence led it to believe that decisions by the unit were being taken for political convenience - to satisfy the hunting associations.

BirdLife pointed out that on February 25 the Ornis Committee had recommended the opening of a spring hunting season but had not taken a decision on hunting quotas. Therefore it had been up to the WBRU to justify hunting for turtle dove and if necessary set a quota.  

BirdLife urged Dr Muscat to personally intervene and take a stronger position in favour of birds, particularly the turtle dove during breeding. 

See the letter to the prime minister on pdf below.