Hunters’ delight at fishermen’s pro-derogation stance

FKNK declare that 'minorities are seeing through the divide and rule tactic spread through misinformation...of the opposing camp' 

The hunters federation FKNK praised the Federation of Fishing Enthusiasts’ Associations for encouraging its members to vote in favour of the retention of the spring hunting derogation in April.

“The direction rightfully took note that the same group that has targeted the mere 10 days of Maltese traditional hunting in spring will in turn target other minority interests,” FKNK CEO Lino Farrugia said. “More minorities are seeing through the divide and rule tactic spread through misinformation, half-truths, lies, deceit and negative campaigning of the opposing camp.”

In an earlier statement, the Federation of Fishing Enthusiasts’ Associations had said that people could one day collect enough signatures to hold a referendum on fishing.

This week, a group of lawyers released a statement to reassure the public that the referendum on spring hunting will not open the door to restrictions on other hobbies.

The statement explained that, contrary to what has been suggested by the pro- hunting lobby, the only hobby that is the subject of a derogation from EU regulations is spring hunting and this referendum will only decide whether or not that derogation will be removed from the statute book.

Former Judge Giovanni Bonello likened the assertion by pro-hunting groups that all hobbies will be open to an abrogative referendum to scaring children with the bogeyman.

“No one should fear that the referendum will affect their hobbies. There is no logic in saying that if the majority vote ‘no’ [to spring hunting], other hobbies will be affected.”

Lawyer Andrew Borg Cardona responded to claims by the pro-hunting lobby that spring hunting is a right. “The public also have a right - a right not to be lied to. I am tired of hearing the nonsense by pro-hunting groups that is misleading the people to fear the consequences of banning spring hunting.”

“Hunting is regulated by law, but spring hunting is only allowed by a derogation that can be subject to an abrogative referendum. A completely different type of referendum – a resolutive referendum, which would have to be proposed by Parliament - would be required to abolish hunting altogether. A petition cannot prompt a resolutive referendum.”