AD calls for end of hunting illegalities

In a press conference held on Saturday, AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio said: "Animal welfare legislation should also apply to hunting, since this also amounts to another form of animal cruelty."

He said spring hunting should be prohibited once and for all, in line with EU legislation. "Our electoral manifesto will have this written down black on white. Unlike other political parties we are not trying to please the hunting lobby with untenable promises."

Briguglio added that the Green Party also opposes trespassing into third party property by hunters. "This proposal will prevent such abuses including illegal hunting which is a widespread occurrence in our country."

Simon Galea, AD spokesperson for animal welfare and agriculture, said that one of the requisites for issuing both rabbit hunting and bird trapping licences is proof of ownership or approval by owner for use of land where such activities are to be held.

"Unfortunately this condition does not exist for bird hunting licences. As a result a number of bird hunters trespass into third party property, thus provoking conflicts and unnecessary incidents," Galea said.

He said that AD is urging the Government to extend such a requisite for bird hunting licences too. "Any hunter caught hunting outside indicated grounds will make him or her liable to fines. This measure will also serve as a monitoring tool for enforcement agencies in their fight against illegal hunting."