I ask - since some express so much disgust at the hunting of birds, what is the general feeling about fish suffocating to death after being caught in a net or torn out of the water once hooked? Are meat-eaters conscious of the fact that all meat consumed is slaughtered in some way or another before it reaches their plate?

Yet 40,000 people, most of which have no problem eating meat, signed a petition to ban perfectly-legal spring hunting, practiced by a minority. They did so, on the instigation of a political party who played on the tune of a bird conservation society that in principle, opposes bird hunting in the hope of persuading a majority.

They claim that this was done because birds should be allowed to breed and should not be shot, but no one bothers to see what fish are doing before they're caught, or whether the chicken objects to its eggs being taken away, neither do we give animals slaughtered for our convenience a choice or attempt to protect them. It seems that only hunting birds requires extraordinary measures to stop rational ordinary laws that govern legal practices from being implemented.

Hypocrites, one would say. But what if such hypocrites exist in other walks of life? What if 40,000 decide to ban fireworks, football on weekends, gay marriages, horses on our roads or any other legal activity they might abhor. Certainly, our Abrogative Referendum law, as it stands, permits this and needs urgent revision, unless minorities are of no interest to our elected politicians.

We all rightfully rose in support and solidarity following the Charlie Hebdo massacre, not only because innocent lives were lost, but primarily because our freedom of expression was attacked. I am no hunter, but when I see a minority sector of Maltese society being abused by what purports to be a majority of the Maltese public, I too rise in support.

I rise in support and hope that others may also see through the years of damaging propaganda upon which Maltese bird lovers have thrived; I hope that people may see through a defunct political party, desperately seeking support.

On 11 April, spring hunting will hang in the balance due to some people's egoism. Are you prepared to see your lifestyle ruined, or your lawful activities denied, due to people who are prepared to abuse the weaknesses in our laws? From now until 11 April, I too am a hunter.

Christopher Piscopo

Birzebbuga