The Maltese government said today it would permit hunting to take place for one week this spring despite EU regulations - but the decision has nevertheless incensed hunters, according to dpa. Hunters on the island have in the past targeted turtle doves and quails, in defiance of the EU's Birds Directive banning hunting during spring. Exceptions are made only if a country can prove that hunting is not possible in any other season. The government said it would allow "limited hunting" for quail and turtle doves between April 24-30, provided hunters obtained a special licence and abided by strict conditions. The European Court of Justice ruled last September that Malta had breached the Birds Directive and would have to discontinue hunting in the spring. However, the ruling also left room for interpretation, acknowledging that hunting during autumn was not a satisfactory alternative based on the figures given. The figures were contested by ornithologists. Proceedings against the practice were started when Malta permitted the hunt from 2004 to 2007, after joining the EU. Ornithologists around Europe had dubbed the small island the "killing field" of the Mediterranean. The Maltese Federation for Hunters accused the government and the European Commission of going back on promises made before a referendum which permitted the island state to join the EU in 2004. "The spring hunting season as announced by the government was unacceptable and obscene," the federation said on Friday, adding that it would be seeking legal advice. According to the new regulations, licence holders would now have a quota of two birds per day and a maximum of three birds per licence. They would also be required to report every bird caught. All those who broke the law would lose their licence and face penalties.
