[WATCH] SHout: 'We don't forget what the hunters have done'

Video is unavailable at this time.

SHout: 'We don't forget what the hunters have done'

Spring Hunting Out campaigners have today unveiled a video and poster with the tagline 'Don't forget', aimed at reminding the Maltese of the true face of spring hunting in Malta.

The powerful 30 second video deals with the undeniable impact of spring hunting on birds, while the report features some of the most brazen incidents of illegal killing in recent years.  It also features actual footage of hunters aggressively occupying the Maltese countryside, shooting rare and protected birds, and violently attacking and abusing innocent people.

SHout campaign spokesperson Mark Sultana said the video uncovers the true face of spring hunting. “The hunters are hiding behind a mask with the 'iva' campaign, but this video uncovers that mask. It shows the real and shocking impact of spring hunting on the countryside, on birds and especially on anyone who dares to try to enjoy the countryside during spring. We haven't forgotten these incidents, and is important that the public do not forget when casting their votes on April 11th.”

SHout also revealed their first campaign poster which highlights the acts of vandalism and killing that take place during spring hunting seasons.   “The campaign poster serves as a reminder to all of us of the intolerance, vandalism and killing that is associated with spring hunting and the consequences of a 'yes' vote in the referendum,” added Sultana.

The campaign has compiled a report of the most extreme examples of violence, vandalism and killing of protected birds during the last ten years.  The report highlights eleven incidents of what it describes as “significant violence” against people, seventeen incidents of vandalism on trees or property as well as twelve major incidents of threats and harassment against members of the public or volunteers.

 “This catalogue of violence, vandalism and threatening behaviour is really shocking,” said Sultana, adding that it “serves as a reminder of what certain sections of the hunting community are capable of”.

“While the report contains the most extreme examples, we must not forget that members of the general public are frequently subjected to verbal harassment and intimidation during the spring hunting season.”

Campaign spokesperson Moira Delia said, “We don't forget the rare marsh harriers which were targeted at night while they were resting, using torches so they can be shot at. We don't forget the flamingoes, the storks, the balaclava-clad hunter caught shooting birds in the Foresta 2000 bird sanctuary.  These incidents are simply the tip of the iceberg and show why we must vote 'no' so that birds can safely fly over Malta on their way back to mainland Europe to lay eggs and increase their numbers.”