Former European Court of Human Rights Judge Giovanni Bonello this evening described the upcoming spring hunting referendum a “triumph of civil society”.

Speaking at the opening of a fundraising art exhibition in aid of the Spring Hunting Out campaign at Din L-Art Ħelwa, Dr Bonello emphasised that this was the first time the public called for a referendum following a successful petition signed by more than 40,000 Maltese people.

 “The pro-hunting lobby has threatened our parties with their votes for years... That is an abuse of righteous values that democracy provides. Now is the time to show that democracy is about what the people want for their country, their children and their natural heritage,” he said.

Dr Bonello urged people to vote No and to not to be scared to do so.

“A win for the No-vote will not affect other hobbies,” he insisted.

Forty-five artists have contributed their work in support of a ban on spring hunting. A range of art genres is represented in the collection, including painting, photography, sculpture, cartoons and ceramics. The works are mostly by Maltese artists who donated them to raise awareness of the need to protect the environment.

The SHout collective exhibition “Artists together to protect birds in spring” will be open to public free of charge for from tomorrow to March 27th March between 10am and 4pm, Mondays to Saturdays.