Killing of songbirds

We have read with great dismay that Malta is continuing with the unwarranted persecution of songbirds once they reach your shores.

We have been feeding and enjoying the finches in our English garden all summer long and watched them flourish and breed, watched their offspring venture into the security of our garden and mature into what is, after all, a short life in the great scheme of things. We are now appalled and horrified to discover that all of that nurturing is just for them to be slaughtered or trapped once they get to Malta. Why would you do such a thing?

Tell us please, are they swooping down and carrying your children away, eating all of your crops so you cannot survive, invading your homes and putting your health at risk? If not, then we ask again: Why?

Why should any human being want to harm something that gives so much pleasure. We learn that you are also abusing honey buzzards and marsh harriers. You know there are some people in this world who have never seen a honey buzzard or marsh harrier, let alone kill them. Believe me, you are not the only inhabitants of this earth.

We implore you to stop this killing and desecration of our birds and to stop it now so we can all enjoy them as is intended.

We do so hope that you are thoroughly ashamed that Malta is now listed as the worst place in Europe for the massacre and trapping of migrating birds.