The PSOE of Lanzarote has responded to the concerns of local hunters, who gathered once again outside the Insular Council on Saturday to denounce what they claim is deception and manipulation by President Oswaldo Betancort, according to the socialist group. Over 300 individuals attended the event, where they signed a manifesto to be submitted to the insular institution.

Support from PSOE

Socialist councillor Benjamín Perdomo expressed his support for the hunters and harshly criticised Betancort’s strategy: “This year, hunting days for rabbits have been reduced by four and for partridges by five. Yet, Oswaldo appeared in a video with the councillor from the Government of the Canary Islands, claiming that days would be extended due to a rabbit plague affecting the agricultural sector. Once again, this is a lie and a new deception that undermines the trust of a sector that deserves respect.”

Calls for Respect

Perdomo described the situation as “a genuine disgrace”, noting that in the last five weeks, hunters have requested up to seven meetings without being attended to by the president of the Cabildo. “And now, only after the mobilisation of 300 hunters, they announce that Haría will be opened. That is not respect; it is pure opportunism and an improvised attempt to respond whenever the sector has proven they have been deceived,” he stated.

Managerial Failures

Furthermore, Perdomo highlighted the unjustifiable delay in opening the training field, which was supposed to commence in March but opened a month late. “This is another example of the improvisation and mismanagement we have come to expect from this government.” He also noted that the field for partridge hunting, which was permitted in the last legislature, has now been closed.

Historical Context

According to the socialist councillor, hunters have historically coexisted with the natural environment and have built bridges with the primary sector, recognising the importance of maintaining a balance that protects both the territory and agricultural activity.

A Call for Dialogue

In this regard, Perdomo emphasised that the PSOE of Lanzarote rejects “the criminalisation and ongoing attacks on hunting activities” and demands that the Cabildo finally listens to the sector’s claims: “What is required is to provide solutions, open dialogue, and ensure certainty. What is not required is to continue deceiving hunters, just as it is not appropriate to deceive farmers or the residents of this island.”