Hunting : a crime or a pastime?

Abstract

Hunting in Malta continues to be a challenging issue throughout the years. On one hand, animal rights and environmental NGOs claim that several protected species are being hunted down and killed recklessly whilst hunting regulations are grossly violated by hunters. On the other hand, hunters’ associations and hunters themselves oppose these arguments by maintaining that hunting is a tradition and a harmless pastime and that hunters are law abiding citizens who respect hunting regulations. This dissertation aimed to highlight the different views on hunting by differentiating between the perceptions held by the animal rights and environmentalist lobby group and that of the hunting lobby. The study was carried out by the use of qualitative data that was collected through semi-structured interviews with important stakeholders in the field. The research examines the existing legal provisions of the Animal Welfare Act with regards to hunting, as well as cases of infringements and punishment meted out for hunting violations. Nonetheless, the respondents contradicted each other when it comes to the enforcement and legislature on hunting. This study was concluded by suggesting a few recommendations for improved policy and future research, and giving an overview of the strengths and limitations encountered during the research.