Pembroke dog sanctuary

If you are thinking of walking, perhaps with your dog, by the sea near the Pembroke reverse osmosis plant, you'd better think again. You or your dog might be attacked by one of the strays kept in the makeshift, illegal dog sanctuary.

My wife and I, like many others like to enjoy a nice walk by the sea along the AFM firing ranges, and each time we walk near this sanctuary we have to bear the fierce barking and the pungent stench of dogs' business.

On one occasion, we witnessed an appalling scene. A middle-aged couple were walking in front of us with their Irish Setter. A younger couple were a little further along with three or four dogs running around, out of the sanctuary.

At first the strays went sniffing around the Setter. Suddenly one of them bit into the Setter's neck, snarling savagely. The Setter could only whine and yelp with pain and fear. His owner tried his best to release him by kicking, hitting and pulling at the stray, but the attacking dog would not let go. The woman was screaming while the couple who were with the strays took their time to help the overpowered Setter.

This horrifying scene lasted well over 90 seconds, with both owners pulling at their dogs and finally managing to separate them.

This sanctuary, which incidentally was served with an eviction order by MEPA and which expired two weeks ago, is still operational. This sanctuary is about 30 metres away from a popular bathing area.

The people behind the sanctuary have to realise that this sanctuary is illegal and a nuisance to others. If they are so concerned about stray dogs than I would advise them to carry out voluntary work with the already established sanctuaries. Dogs have rights, but so do humans.