The hunters’ federation has lashed out at the European Commission for allegedly proposing a hunting ban on turtle doves during the entire autumn season.

In a statement, the FKNK yesterday claimed that such proposal was floated during an informal meeting of the EU Experts Group on the Birds and Habitats Directive (Nadeg) between May 22 and 23. This entity comprises representatives from across all member states from both the hunting and anti-hunting lobbies.

According to the federation, the majority of countries where turtle dove hunting takes place in autumn have rejected the Commission’s proposal for a species action plan which included a temporary moratorium. 

It noted that Malta, along with Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Spain and Italy, objected to this recommendation.

Furthermore, France, Portugal, Romania and Austria may also come out against as they have not yet pronounced themselves on the matter, the FKNK said.

The statement read that despite facing opposition from a number of countries, the Commission had not withdrawn its proposal and was asking member states to outline their position in writing.

FKNK CEO Lino Farrugia welcomed the outcome of these meetings, saying a strong message against an autumn moratorium was conveyed to Brussels.

He said the development came as the FKNK was campaigning for the removal of a spring hunting turtle dove moratorium in Malta.