The PSOE of Lanzarote has echoed the demands of island hunters, who gathered again outside the Cabildo Insular on Saturday to denounce what they describe as deceit and manipulation by President Oswaldo Betancort. Over 300 individuals participated in the event, signing a manifesto to be submitted to the insular institution.
Support from Local Officials
Socialist councillor Benjamín Perdomo expressed his support for the hunters and harshly criticised Betancort’s strategies. He stated: “This year, four hunting days for rabbits and five for partridges have been reduced. Nevertheless, Oswaldo appeared in a video alongside the Canarian government councillor, announcing an extension of the hunting days due to a rabbit plague affecting the agricultural sector. This is yet another lie and a new deception that erodes the trust of a sector that deserves respect.”
Concerns Over Government Response
Perdomo described it as “sheer shamelessness” that hunters have requested up to seven meetings in the past five weeks without any response from the Cabildo president. “Now, only after the mobilization of 300 hunters, they announce that they will open Haría. That is not respect; it is pure opportunism and an improvised attempt to respond after the sector has demonstrated they have been misled,” he remarked.
Criticism of Management Delays
Moreover, Perdomo pointed out that the unjustified delay in opening the training field, which was supposed to start in March but opened one month late, “is further evidence of the improvisation and poor management this government has accustomed us to.” He also highlighted the closing of the path for partridge hunters, which was previously allowed in the last legislative term.
Recognition of Hunters’ Role
For the socialist councillor, hunters have historically been a group capable of coexisting with the natural environment and building bridges with the primary sector, “aware of the importance of maintaining a balance that protects both the territory and agricultural activity.”
Call for Dialogue and Solutions
In this regard, Perdomo emphasised that the PSOE of Lanzarote rejects “the criminalisation and continuous attacks faced by hunting activities” and demands that the Cabildo finally listens to the sector’s demands: “What is needed is to provide solutions, open a dialogue, and guarantee certainties. Continuing to deceive hunters, as well as farmers and the local residents of this island, is not acceptable.”
