In the light of the government's announcement of the dates and regulations regarding hunting within the autumn season, Moviment Graffitti, while strongly reiterating its position against all forms of hunting, said it is of the opinion that notwithstanding the legality of hunting within the Autumn season, a lot more could have been done for the better regulation of this practice.

Moviment Graffitti added: "although the decision to ban hunting after 3pm for two weeks in September is a positive stance, this should have been extended to all the month of September and to the first two weeks of October so that the whole period in which birds of prey migrate would have been covered. As we have seen in previous years, there has been awful 'massacres' of birds of prey, even if such species are protected by law."

Moviment Graffitti went on to say that "the concept of self-regulation by hunters is a farce since illegal hunting is not only sustained by a minority of hunters but is unfortunately a widespread practice. As a result, it is the duty of the government to make sure that the law is observed. There is an immediate need for the strengthening of the ALE, especially with regards to human resources. It is clear that due to its current limited resources, in spite of all its constructive efforts, the ALE can only have a limited effect in curbing illegal hunting."

Moviment Graffitti concluded by saying that "in the past days there have already been reports of illegal hunting, which also led to the injury of protected birds. If such incidents continue we urge the government to keep up its promise and close the hunting season with immediate effect, if a certain amount of illegal hunting is reported."

Andre' Callus
f/Moviment Graffitti