No decision has been taken as yet “with regard to what we are going to do about spring hunting next year,” Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino told The Malta Independent in an interview.

“Unfortunately the incidents that took place in Malta last May have definitely dented our arguments with the Commission for spring hunting,” he added.

Last May the government gave an unequivocal message that it would not permit illegal hunting practices, when it closed off the spring hunting season some 10 days early after a purported massacre of honey buzzards.

Asked whether the government would take the same action this autumn should a similar instance occur, Mr Pullicino replied, “Yes, definitely. What we did was to tell the hunters’ organisations there must be a halt for a period of examination, and that between this incident and the next season, there should be enough time in which to come forward with a proper proposal for self-regulation.

“But if this period of reflection does not help, and such an instance recurs, they will probably need a second such period of reflection. I just hope there will be no need to go for that.

“I have made myself quite clear on this and I have to say that this is not only the position of George Pullicino, but it is, rather, the position of the government of Malta.”

Mr Pullicino insisted the government “will keep on defending the rights of hunters” but asked if that would include allowing spring hunting next year – which would be considered by the European Commission, already threatening legal action on the matter, as a violation of the Birds Directive for a fifth year running – he conceded, “we will have to see about that.”

See interview on pages 8 and 9