Please refer to the letter titled “Alternattiva Demokratika – Undemocratic and deceitful” carried in the Malta Independent [July 3, 2013] on behalf of Kaccaturi San Umbertu.

The spluttering of adjectives to belittle anyone who does not agree with some kind of hunting is now a common practice from somebody who wields a gun and shoots at mature breeding birds, for egoistic aims.

The EU Commission is currently studying the report sent by the Maltese Government following the taking of a derogation this year to shoot birds returning to their breeding grounds in spring. One cannotignore the fact that a number of protected birds were shot too. Scientifically this means that two birds shot is one or two nests less. 

The turtle dove population in the European Union is in large decline and its conservation status in the EU is vulnerable. The Birds Directive is aimed at  protectingwild birds in the European Union. In fact the EU has a management plan for the turtle dove to address this.

The birds which are being shot in spring, thus decreasing the population of the species in the European Union and making it more vulnerable, belong not only to the Maltese public in general, but also to the EU population in particular. Every bird shot, especially in spring, is a bird taken from its rightful owners who are obliged to protect it. 

The taking of a derogation by the PN-led government (confirmed by the PL-led government)to enable 4% of the population to shoot birds in their most delicate and vulnerable season ­ spring ­ is not intended or aimed at protecting birds, but it is just an egoistic attempt to take the votes of hunters. It is another selfish irresponsible local political craze for power. It is definitely not in the spirit of any nature protection conservation.

AD stand to eliminate such senseless destruction of mature breeding birds is in the national interest, in the interest of an international natural heritage, and in the interest of common sense. And AD knows that the majority of the Maltese people are intelligent enough and not blinded by partisan politics to understand this.

Carmel Cacopardo

Deputy Chairman Alternattiva Demokratika                                        

Kalkara