The latest letter of a good Samaritan trying to help a stray dog overcome pain and difficulties cannot fall on deaf ears.

It is a fact that the existing emergency service that veterinarians are providing is simply not up to scratch, even though people automatically pay for it. It is not the first time that animal-lovers experienced this kind of treatment: they pay for the emergency phone call to the service - yet, the vet in question does not ring back! And you, and your loved animal, are left in the lurch.

It is also not the first time that directions are given over the phone as to what to do with the animal in question and then things turn really bad - just because the diagnosis was not the correct one. That, too, must stop.

Many of us animal-lovers agree that things need to move - and fast, too - in this country in order to have an animal-friendly environment. But in order to achieve this, various things must happen in a synchronised manner.

Education in schools is very important in order to nurture the young. That the government and local councils realise their responsibilities in this sphere, and take immediate action, is very important as well. Yet, what is of paramount importance and pertinent to this letter is the fact that veterinarians in Malta and Gozo have to be seen and heard in their quest to improve the lot of stray animals. Vets must be in the forefront in our battle against those who are even neutral when facing an injured or hurt animal.

Allow me to conclude this letter by expressing my distaste at the fact that we are repeatedly choosing an avid hunter as well as a sportsman of sorts, William Chetcuti, to be Malta's flag-bearer at various international sporting events. Whatever he may represent, he is certainly not representing me.