Last Wednesday week saw the launch of a neutering programme financed by a German organisation for the use of Noah's Ark Sanctuary. Their representative, Ms Jutta Spang-Schleicher, was moved to initiate this programme after witnessing the plight of abandoned animals in Malta. Her association co-operates with animal associations in south and eastern Europe to "fight cruelty against animals and the stray dog problem".
In his speech Minister George Pullicino stated that the Welfare Act "has given the state new powers that the state has never had before with regards to animal welfare".
While having the Act enacted is a feather in the minister's cap, one cannot say the same about its enforcement. Although these "new powers" have given the minister the authority to bring about admirable changes in animal welfare - an opportunity and a challenge that should have been acted upon immediately with enthusiasm - those involved in helping animals know that no great changes have occurred. So many tourists, who love Malta and the hospitality of the Maltese, are dismayed by the cruelty they see and have regularly written to newspapers and to volunteers.
One cannot stop people from perpetrating acts of cruelty carried out in secret but as individuals we should be encouraged by both Church and state, to respond promptly to cruelty with love and compassion, once it is discovered. If one is to take what was stated in the Welfare Act of 2002 seriously, "the state shall endeavour to protect the life of animals", it has "a duty to promote animal welfare," a "duty to collaborate with voluntary organisations" and a "duty to promote the culture of respect towards animals", it follows that the state should lead by example and assume the responsibility to assist these unfortunate animals.
How else can one endeavour to change a wrong mentality and encourage a "culture of respect towards animals?" Example is a wonderful teacher. The SPCA has for years been operating from premises that are too small and not in an ideal location. Consequently there is a limit to the dogs they can take in.
Yet the number of homeless dogs seems limitless. If the SPCA is unable to take in more dogs what should one do with a dog that has been abandoned, injured, abused or rescued from a cruel owner? Are we to ignore this suffering because there is nowhere to take them? This is precisely why sanctuaries have come into existence and why they should be assisted by the state. Sanctuaries are helping the state to protect the life of animals. How else would the state cope if there were no sanctuaries?
To all those who have animal welfare at heart, every animal made to endure suffering because of human cruelty, negligence ignorance or caprice, matters. It is a sense of charity that compels such people to respond and commit themselves to love and care for these animals despite the difficulties and burdens they often face and their personal sacrifice. Sanctuaries depend on the charity of helpers, friends and that of some vets.
Abandoned animals suffer because they are exposed to the elements all the year round, to starvation, sickness, loneliness and the cruelty of those who torture them or use them as bait in dog-fighting. Everyone is aware that dog-fighting is not stopped even though it is illegal. According to the AWA, every policeman and local warden is an 'animal welfare officer', however this cruelty is allowed to take place regularly.
The fighting dogs are also victims of this cycle of evil, some doomed to live their life in dark, humid caves beneath the Valletta bastions. Where are the "new powers'' that would change the miserable lives of these dogs if only they were enforced conscientiously? Dogs like to be with people and they have a lot to teach us about humility, gratitude and fidelity, if we have the sensitivity to recognise this in them.
All animal associations and the SPCA want to see the Animal Welfare Act being put into practice daily. From what the minister said it is evident that the wardens have never used the powers they were given four years ago, "we are working on using the possibility of using the local wardens as provided within the Local Councils Act as well as the Animal Welfare Act".
Why should the minister still be working on this four years later, when suffering is happening daily and he could have started using this power four years ago and alleviated much suffering?
We are well aware that there are people who think animal welfare is not really important compared to other problems on our island. Suffering makes every issue important. This reflection was confirmed when we spoke to a prominent member of the clergy about our concerns on animal cruelty. The response of this man of God was that where there is suffering, nothing is trivial, and that the Church's commission on the environment should include the respect and protection of animals.
In her speech Ms Spang-Schleider insisted that in a European country there must be a 24-hour centre where injured animals can be treated and kept until they recover. She was also promised by the minister that a national welfare centre was to be opened.
Let us hope that our politicians will treat this issue with humanity and commitment and we will see realisation of this centre. Fulfilling this promise shortly will show all and Ms Spang-Schleider's organisation that the state is serious about animal welfare and that it is efficient.
"Cruelty to animals is always a sign of a weak and little mind, whereas we invariably find really great men distinguished by their humanity" - George Q. Cannon.