Referendum Yes campaigners took their campaign to Gozo today, insisting that the hunting of turtle dove and quail in spring does not threaten the species.

Spokeswoman Kathleen Grima said there were enough safeguards to protect the species. She said some 7.5 million quail and turtle dove were hunted in the EU every year while the hunting of only 16,000 was permitted in spring in Malta, a number which had no impact on sustainability levels.

Furthermore, the spring hunt was limited to just 20 half days in April, or only 8% of spring when much of the migration took place in May. Therefore hunting in April did not affect breeding in May.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin  said the European Court had never banned spring hunting in Malta and it actually gave Malta the opportunity to apply for a derogation under strict conditions.

She insisted that everyone should enjoy the right for his recreational activity. The spring hunting season had already been limited, but hunters should not end up without a single day of hunting in the best season when it could be practiced.

The people should therefore vote Yes for a balance between everybody’s interests, Mrs Zarb Darmanin said.