Animal Welfare Act (2)

On behalf of the Island Sanctuary Association, may I express our complete agreement with Ms Joan Baker.

In spite of all the hype and fanfare nothing has changed! In spite of the much vaunted meetings and consultations with NGOs involved in promoting animal welfare, cruelty and neglect are still the lot of many unfortunate animals.

Only last Sunday yet another dog on the verge of death was brought to the Sanctuary - another victim of a society obsessed with self and an administration that pays lip service to animal welfare, but does not enforce it.

The only real work is done by a few caring individuals who make real sacrifices to help these poor animals. 

You would think the authorities would be suitably grateful - after all, the people always blame the 'government'! The least the government can do would be to at least exempt us from paying VAT for the services of vets.

It is ironic that, while the vets generously support our efforts by giving us discounts on their service, we still have to pay the full 18 per cent tax! This is one added burden that we could do without - in our case, we are talking about 160-odd dogs - all of which are neutered/spayed, not to mention other visits that crop up regularly.