The annual camps organised by Birdlife Malta (BLM) and their partners Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) serve only to shame Maltese hunters by depicting hunting as a “catastrophe”. Advertised as a bird-watching opportunity, these camps are just a witch hunt against Maltese hunters, showing the determination of the organisers to make these islands hunting-free.

Hunting illegalities, though not unheard of, are nowhere near what these groups deceitfully try to portray to the world. Up to some years ago law-enforcement was totally non-existent, but nowadays few dare flout the law, considering the harsh penalties and the vigilant police presence. Yet these groups criticise our police force incessantly, and the few law-breakers are the perfect fodder for their fire.

Operating totally unhindered apart from the bother from the people they harass, both BLM and CABS show little or no respect for private property or the privacy of individuals. Obviously hours of observation are needed to record illegalities. Rather than directing their cameras and binoculars on migrating birds, these ‘bird-watchers’ position themselves on vantage points, and scrutinise anyone in the Maltese countryside day and night.

Their actions are the perfect excuse for their propagandistic agenda. All their “evidence” has hardly ever resulted in convictions notwithstanding their claims of blatant abuse. Is our police force inefficient? Or are these people blowing the problem out of proportion intentionally?

If indeed both BLM and CABS are out to eradicate abuse, what prevents them from requesting constant police presence? Would a police officer in their presence not be an asset considering that, according to them, the police always arrive late?

On second thoughts, having the police at hand could discredit their claims, which might not be a good idea. After all, do they really care about uncovering illegalities, most of which appear to be fabrications of their own making? Though publicly stating that they tolerate hunting, they are doing all they can to see it banned or restricted. Would apprehending criminals lessen their chances of achieving these goals perhaps?

■ David Borg Cardona

Secretary

St. Hubert's Hunters