Making a difference in animal welfare (2)

Regarding the article in The Times of March 29, attempts are being made to find homes for the 10 stray Pembroke dogs. I do hope that the complaining Pembroke residents too are attempting to find homes for these unfortunate, innocent dogs and perhaps some of them could offer them a good home or foster care while a long-term solution is found.

In March alone 10 puppies were born to a stray bitch in Siggiewi, and in the same month another stray very diffidently conceived as she was surrounded by eight male dogs all willing and able to procreate.

In the beautiful month of May, Siggiewi alone will have another 20-plus strays to add to our list of the unwanted dog population and in less than a year those 20 will have the potential of adding abundantly to that never ending list!

Community effort is needed throughout Malta to relieve this situation and government land should be given in various localities for small, well-maintained sanctuaries to be set up in order for local councils and the community to be involved and assist with the caretaking and neutering of the animals. With projects such as this, school children, local groups and visitors to the island can assist in the welfare of the animals and a better understanding of animal needs will bring about a more caring society that will not abandon animals.

Citizens such as Rennie Scicluna and myself and all the other NGOs endure great hardship, even poverty, in order to do the work of an entire community. It must not and cannot continue! The government needs to offer more than eviction notices!