AD hits out at hunters

Alternattiva Demokratika has accused the Federation of Hunters and Trappers with attempting to hold the whole country to ransom in the coming referendum and with putting hunting and trapping before the future of the country.

It said that although the hunters' association has refrained from telling hunters directly how to vote, the FKNK also told hunters that if the Labour Party is voted to power the MLP would allow the situation to revert to that of June, 2002 when there were none of the restrictions being imposed by the EU Bird Directive.

This was nothing but a no at the referendum, AD said.

Many hunters also held banners with No to EU written on them, showing their irresponsibility, it added.

AD also expressed disappointment that the government has appeased the hunting community by going against the will of the majority of the Maltese and Gozitan people, who are against hunting in spring. AD agrees with the full implementation of the Berne Convention and the EU Birds Directive and with tougher enforcement against hunting and trapping.

Another body, the environmental organisation Nature Trust, also feels that both political parties should unite against the hunting lobby rather than pander to them and strive to win their votes.

"It is time that our authorities make pacts and agreements with NGOs for the benefit of the environment, NT said, deploring the protests by hunters and the promises they were seeking from politicians on the eve of important political events in the country.