'Dogs not allowed'

I was very disturbed to read the article Life's No Beach For Hapless Dog (June 18). Before writing to the newspaper I tried to find out what possible valid reason there was for no dogs being allowed on these particalur two beaches (Ghadira and St George's). I first contacted the police who told me that they did not know of any law not allowing dogs on the beach, however dogs should always be on a lead. They also told me that it was possibly related to the "blue flag initiative" which is a volunatary enivornmental intiative to improve the standard of our beaches.

The regulations of this blue flag do not entirely prohibit pets on beaches. However, they state that regulations concerning dogs and other domestic animals on the beach must be strictly enforced, i.e. they must be kept on a leash or under close control and dog owners must pick up any dog droppings.

I then contacted the Malta Tourism Authority, who as far as I understood, is responsible for this initiative. I asked the officer in charge for the reasons why dogs are not allowed on these beaches. The reply was that it was because "there are signs on the beach" not allowing dogs. This I felt is not enough and asked him for the legal backing of this. The person told me that he would contact me again with the information, however I have not received a reply to date.

I feel this is a great injustice as signs with "no dogs allowed" are popping up on many popular promanades and now also beaches. Pets become part of the family for many people who love animals. They enjoy their company and enjoy seeing the dog having fun at the beach or going for a stroll. I fully agree with strict regulations regarding keeping dogs on a lead, cleaning up after your dog and making sure that the dog is not a nusciance to anyone, however putting up these signs are just an easy way out. Enforcement of strict regulations by green wardens would be a good idea. It would also address the problem of humans littering our island.

I would very much like a reply as to whether a pet can go to the beach and whether the various signs are in fact legal.

Why are no national initiatives ever taken in favour of animals. Should we just say animals are not welcome in Malta?