The frequent episodes of bird slaughter are the direct and logical consequence of the Labour Party's message to hunters, said Carmel Cacopardo, Alternattiva Demokratika Deputy Chairman. The message that Joseph Muscat and the Labour Party gave to hunters was a very simple one: the Labour Party protects hunting. Some of the hunters understood this to mean that hunters now could do anything. We can see the consequences of this all the time around us. The temporary closing of autumn hunting from 3pm today to 11 October is a good step but it has been taken too late because many people have now felt bold enough to do anything and it is difficult to remove this attitude. Maybe the government was pushed to move because public opinion is reacting to these abuses. Maybe government one dan will come to its senses.