Judge Giovanni Bonello called the upcoming spring hunting referendum a "triumph of civil society" when delivering a speech last night at the opening of a fundraising art exhibition in aid of the Spring Hunting Out campaign in Din L-Art Ħelwa.

He emphasized that this is the first time when the public have called for a referendum following a successful petition signed by more than 40,000 Maltese people. Therefore, he said, 11 April will be a day to be written in the Malta's history and urged every citizen to go to polling station and use their vote on that day.

"The pro-hunting lobby has threatened our parties with their votes for years, in order to get their way. That is an abuse of righteous values that democracy provides us. Now is the time to show that democracy is about what the people want for their country, their children and their natural heritage." Dr Bonello urged people to vote No and not to be scared to do so. "A win for No-vote will not affect other hobbies," he reiterated his previous affirmation.

He pointed out to numerous artworks around him. "This is an example how hobbies and occupations can be ways of appreciating the beauty of nature. But hobbies that destroy it's creatures in an unsustainable manner are not acceptable."

A total of 45 artists have contributed their work in support of a ban on spring hunting. A range of art genres is represented in the collection, including painting, photography, sculpture, cartoons and ceramics. These works of art are mostly contributed from Maltese artists to raise awareness of the need to protect our environment.

The SHout collective exhibition "Artists together to protect birds in spring" will be open to public free of charge for two weeks 14 - 27 March, between 10am - 4 pm, Monday to Saturday.