Dozens of hunters mounted a protest in front of the Ministry of Environment, demanding that the Government decision banning the hunting of migratory water birds and hares should be annulled, IPN reports.
“Down with the minister! We protest today because the hunting was banned unjustly. Why did they impose a ban if we, during the year, feed the animals and protect nature? Our society is 145 years old and nobody has so far banned hunting,” said hunter Nicolae Madan.
“Hunting is an occasion for me to meet my friends. The goal is not to kill animals and birds. We take part in many animal and bird protection activities. We feed them and make drinking and feeding places for them,” stated hunter Petru Grijuc.
In reaction, those from the Ecologist Movement of Moldova also staged a protest. They said they oppose the hunting of rare species of animals and birds and support the new Government decision. “We mount an anti-protest because we want the animals to be allowed to live in the forest, not to be hunted for becoming hunters’ trophies,” said Lilia Curchi, journalist for the Ecologist Movement.
Minister of Environment Valeriu Munteanu came out and invited the protesters to discussions. “The law says that the Ministry of the Environment not the Society of Hunters is the authority that lays down the hunting rules every year. You should comply as there is legislation punishing those who do not comply,” he stated, adding that Moldova is the poorest state in Europe by the number of wild birds and animals and this number decreases annually.
