AD's manifesto to give prominence to hunting issues

Alternattiva Demokratika’s electoral manifesto will give prominence to hunting issues. Chairman Michael Briguglio told a news conference this morning that animal welfare legislation should also apply to hunting, since this was another form of animal cruelty. “Spring hunting should be prohibited once and for all, in line with EU legislation. Our electoral manifesto will have this written down black on white. Unlike other political parties we are not trying to please the hunting lobby with untenable promises,” he said. Dr Briguglio said AD also opposed trespassing into third party property by hunters. Spokesman for animal welfare and agriculture Simon Galea said that a requisite for rabbit hunting and bird trapping licences was proof of ownership or approval by owner for use of land where such activities were to be held. “Unfortunately this condition does not exist for bird hunting licences. As a result a number of bird hunters trespass into third party property, provoking conflicts and unnecessary incidents,” he said.