Ecologist to head Ornis Committee - spring hunting to be discussed

Updated 7.32 Saturday The Government has nominated ecologist Louis Cassar, a university lecturer, to head the Ornis committee that gives advice on hunting issues. The Parliamentary Secretariat for Animal Rights said the committee would meet for the first time today to discuss the opening of the spring hunting season. The Ornis committee does not have an executive role and it can only make recommendations to the government. Spring hunting is not allowed in the EU but member States can derogate from the rules and will have to justify the move with the European Commission. The ECJ had said in a ruling on Malta that the autumn hunting season did not provide a satisfactory alternative for the hunting of turtle doves and quails, giving hunters the possibility to enjoy a limited season in spring. The other members are Petra Caruana Dingli, representing the Environmental Protection Directorate, Emeline Fenech, Gwido Baldacchino and Marco Falzon, representing the minister, Lino Farrugia and/or Joe Perici Calascione, representing hunters, and Joseph Mangion and/or Nicholas Barbara, representing BirdLife Malta.Mark Gauci and Frank Vassallo are also members but do not have voting rights.