Inappropriate pets?

I am a dog lover and the proud owner of two pedigree fox terriers. Like many people in Malta I take part in the long-standing tradition of care for animals which is renowned worldwide.

Am I the only person, however, who is alarmed by the apparent increase of dogs from colder climates? I am of course referring to owners of the Dutch mountain dog which seems to be becoming more and more fashionable of late. Am I the only person who believes that it is not appropriate to have such an animal, whose habitat is centred around the colder peaks of Europe?

In early September I was amazed when I entered the bus to Valletta and found the very same breed of dog in the driver's seat. I questioned the driver, who said he had to take the animal to a veterinarian after his shift which is fair enough.

However, this could not hide the fact that the dog was in discomfort due to the heat which was about 35°C . I am not an animal rights activist of any sort, however, there has to be some sort of line drawn as to when a pet becomes inappropriate.

Given the current attentions of the EU, is it time to have a government backed organisation to tackle this issue?