BirdLife suspects that the Labour Party have reached an agreement with hunters to get rid of hunting provisions which are not stipulated by the EU.

BirdLife Director Steve Micklewright, was addressing the press in front of the Law Courts in Valletta when he stated that he suspects that the PL want to remove the 15:00h hunting curfew. He explained that this curfew protects birds of prey.

Mr Mickelwright added that the removal of the €50 spring hunting fee was already promised by the Labour Party. He stated that he had sent a letter to both PL Leader Joseph Muscat as well and PN Leader Lawrence Gonzi emphasising that lack of specialised police enforcement together with the lack of specialised training means that the a large amount of wildlife crimes are not caught.

Steve Mickelwright argued that BirdLife knew of at least seven meetings which have occurred behind closed doors between the hunting lobby and PL candidates including Joe Mizzi, Anthony Agius Decelis, Chris Cardona, Franco Mercieca and Charles Mangion.

BirdLife recorded some 2000 illegal hunting cases last year, the BirdLife Director said, adding that some 220 shots on protected species were also reported.