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Date Published: 01/12/2021
ARCHIVED - Calls to ban hunting in Alicante park after cyclist was shot by rabbit hunter
The cyclist was hit with dozens of pellets whilst riding through Mount Orgegia forest on the Costa Blanca
The shooting of a cyclist who was injured after being hit with dozens of pellets after being mistaken for a rabbit by a hunter in Alicante's Orgegia natural park on Sunday November 28 has prompted calls for a ban on hunting in the area.
Compromís political party in Alicante City Council will present an institutional declaration to the December plenary session for political groups to object to the continuation of hunting in the urban forest park and its surroundings.
In a statement, Councillor Rafa Mas said the park "has become a popular recreational area for all citizens, promoted by the city council itself in its network of urban trails. As such, risky situations such as the one that occurred at the weekend must be avoided".
He claims that the party has, on numerous occasions, called for "greater protection, conservation and cleaning of the area, as well as the implementation of a reforestation plan due to the amount of dry vegetation".
Several neighbourhood organisations complained to the council about hunting activity in the area months ago, warning "it seriously endangers people of all ages who frequent the mountain for hiking, cycling, horse riding and other outdoor activities".
"These types of sporting activities are being encouraged in these times when, because of the pandemic, people are looking for outdoor spaces for families to enjoy. Therefore, in order to make it compatible with public use, situations of unnecessary risk must be avoided and new hunting bans must be established to ensure safety," added Mr Mas.
The proposal which will be put before the plenary session later this month will call for a municipal pact to ban dangerous activities such as hunting and, consequently, "adopt preventive measures such as proper signage prohibiting hunting throughout the park, surveillance by the police and the consequent sanctioning of offenders".
Image: Compromís
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