Council condemns barbaric attack on dog
Unknown persons between Saturday and Sunday burned a dog in the area of Triq il-Qasbi, San Gwann, the locality's local council said this afternoon.
In condemning the barbaric act, the council urged the police to investigate and arraign whoever was responsible. It also urged anybody having any information on what had taken place to come forward.
Mayor Rene Savona Ventura said he found the dog on Sunday evening. He said it appeared to have been put in a bag and set on fire. The position of the dog's mouth indicated it had been alive.
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Graham Crocker
Jun 12th 2008, 19:57
TO L BORG :
You told me WHAT a thousand times? I don't even know who you are.
We're not talking about Hitler, Hitler was an example.
You further proved my point.
He killed more people?
Whats the difference apart from solidifying my argument that Animal Murder is a Gateway to Human murder?
Kenneth Cassar
May 31st 2008, 11:57
Mr Apap,
I will concede that there are levels of self-awareness, but most (if not all) animals have self-awareness to some degree. If this were not the case, how does one explain animals avoiding sources of pain? The avoidance of sources of pain comes from memory and the recognition that it is the subject that is feeling the pain, and not someone else.
Of course, the above applies to all sensations, and not just pain.
That said, a high level of self-awareness (if any at all) is not deemed necessary for the possession of rights in the case of humans (most will agree that even comatose humans have rights). Justice, like I already said, demands impartiality.
Sean Apap
May 30th 2008, 18:55
Mr Cassar,
I'm sorry but I must disagree with your idea that an animal such as a dog is self aware. To use a definition of what it is to be self aware:
"Self-awareness is the explicit understanding that one exists. Furthermore, it includes the concept that one exists as an individual, separate from other people, with private thoughts. It may also include the understanding that other people are similarly self-aware.
Self-consciousness is credited only with the development of identity. In an epistemological sense, self-consciousness is a personal understanding of the very core of one's own identity. It is during periods of self-consciousness that people come the closest to knowing themselves objectively."
By this you cannot argue that an animal is truly self aware - so animals do deserve certain rights, but with limitations due to the fact that they are not self aware. Thus if an action is for a human benefit and/or actual use - it is morally justifiable.
To conclude I think we have to agree to disagree because we're slightly off topic with regards the actual story here and i doubt either of us will convince the other :)
Kenneth Cassar
May 30th 2008, 07:26
Mr Apap,
Self-awareness is not limited to humans, as anyone owning a dog can tell you. However, even if that were the case (that only humans were self-aware), what weight does that put on the question of whether we have the right to inflict unnecessary harm on other animals? All animals have mental and physical experiences that make their lives fare better or worse depending on the circumstances.
You have also anticipated me in mentioning mentally ill humans, some of whom unfortunately are less self-aware than members of other species. You correctly say that reason dictates that we show respect to our fellow humans.
However, you will perhaps know that the fundamental rule of justice is impartiality.
Excluding others who are similar in the relevant respects just because they are members of an "out-group" does not concur with impartial justice.
Remember that I am not talking about rights applicable to only humans here, like the right to education. I am only speaking of interests that are common to all animals (including humans), such as the right to life, liberty, and the avoidance of harm.
Sean Apap
May 29th 2008, 17:04
Dear Mr K Cassar,
I do agree that animals should be protected from unnecessary cruelty, as was done here and as is seen in killing for sport, and etc.
However, what differenciates all animals, and bacteria or less developed organisms from humans is the power of being self aware, or self concious - we cannot argue that the life of a person is of equal importance to an animal/organism which either is unaware of itself and simply exists, nor to one that is aware but is completely slaved to its instincts instead of unique individual thought - which is what defines us as human BEINGS. (sorry no italics =P)
Also we must remember that a mentally ill human, is human none the less, and reason dictates that we show respect to our fellow man as is morally and justifiably right.
I still hold though to my earlier statement, and agree with you whole-heartedly, that wherever killing is unjustifiable, it is wrong.
(PS my earlier comments with regards insects moving on to bacteria, etc, was in response to Mr. P Agius' comment)
Maria Schembri
May 29th 2008, 16:44
I agree 100% with Sean Apap.
@ Pierre Agius: Of course humans carry diseases, but I hope you are not comparing roaches, or the malaria mosquitoes (Anopheles mosquitoes) to humans!!
J Borg
May 29th 2008, 08:55
Sean Apap, I agree with you 100%
Kenneth Cassar
May 29th 2008, 08:36
Dear Mr Apap,
When animal rights activists say that all animals should be treated equally, we do not mean that all animals should be treated in exactly the same way. What we mean is that we should treat like cases alike. If it is wrong to unnecessarily kill a human lacking intelligence and who is unable to do any good to others, it is likely wrong to unnecessarily kill any non-human who is similar in the relevant respects.
Also, what's natural is not necessarily moral. I have yet to see people who claim that we should act naturally, who then refuse to take medicine because it is unnatural.
Regarding bacteria and parasites - both harmful and beneficial bacteria are not sentient or conscious (they lack a brain and a nervous system). As for parasites, if they really pose a serious threat to life, we are entitled to kill them in self-defence. However, like in the case of killing humans in self-defence, we should make sure that other more humane options are considered and deemed ineffective before we resort to killing.
Alas, killing sometimes is inevitable - but this does not mean we should not avoid unnecessary killing.
Sean Apap
May 29th 2008, 06:04
I'm all against animal cruelty, its depraved and animals do feel pain - so why inflict it so terribly?
However, one cannot argue (like so many feel the need to) that we should treat all animals on an equal level. Simply put, its unnatural. If an animal is going to be killed for food then that's perfectly acceptable - Hell its what they are here for as part of our food chain. If in an Eastern country dog is an acceptable meal then leave it be, its not as thought they are being killed for sport.
Also we cannot argue that a fly/cockroach holds as much significance as any other animal simply because its alive - if we did then we can continue to say that bacteria and parasites have every right to live. This is not a foolish argument simply because these bacteria would be harmful to you, because for example we actually have a lot of them growing on our skin and its actually beneficial, I don't expect anyone to stop bathing because the bacteria are living creatures however.
Paul Mallia
May 29th 2008, 00:21
Maltese people are paying twice as much as other countries for fuel and not using to the full value. Why?
Short trips.slow driving. prolonged engine idling and going nowhere.engines never reach normal running temperatures running on fuel enrichment (choke).hardly use all the gears in the gearbox especially automatics.
bumper to bumper traffic.Causing a great deal of carbon monoxide. Black exhaust smoke means unburnt fuel,fuel consumption extreamly high.
Use public transport. Nowhere is far to go in Malta,have fun on the Malta bus, talk to guy next to you.Have a great day. You will be at work in no time, safer, cleaner and richer.Why take your car to Floriana park and ride, using your car Its going to be like jumping in a furnace in summer after work.Take out your car on a Sunday go to the beach, if you find a place were to park, if not go back home and watch TV.
eleanor portanier (melb australia)
May 28th 2008, 15:33
It has been proven that some people who commit murder have sometime in their life tortured animals,
This person or persons who committed this crime are evil, if ever caught besides being punished, should also be ordered to undergo therapy.God put animals on this earth so we enjoy them,And children should be taught from a young age to respect all creatures great and small.
I have two beautiful dogs who are very treasured and respected, both of whom are sleeping and (snoring) next to me,(its 11pm in Melb at the moment,)
Kenneth Cassar
May 28th 2008, 06:38
Pierre Agius, don't worry...I wasn't criticizing you, and I agree with your comments. Incidentally, from the point of view of thousands and perhaps millions of other species, humans are the worst pests on the planet.
Let's all quit being pests and try to live a life that spares as much as possible the lives of others, and cares for the planet we inhabit, for our sake and for the sake of all other creatures.
J. Borg
May 27th 2008, 18:38
Pierre, You’re point is valid and addressed the underlying Reverence for Life.
I believe that there has to be a gradual transition – ceasing to exploit/kill animals for ‘amusement’, for convenience, for clothing/decoration, and for food.
In most cases we had the opportunity of ‘getting to know’ a dog and appreciate his/her (its for objects), feelings – an experience we do not get to share with a pig, notwithstanding the latter is intelligent as much and more (as Kenneth rightly pointed out).
Again Reverence for Life would involve Nature in general, and then we can really consider ourselves Homo Sapiens ….
J Borg
May 27th 2008, 18:13
If we were to reason like you, we would eat only honey. As you may know honey is the only kind of food which do not kill any type of living. Like it or not, that is life. Survival of the fittest. And the fittest in this world are humans. I do not find anything wrong in killing an animal so that it can be eaten. However, this is different than killing an animal just for fun (if that is fun).
Whenever I am sick and contagious I do confine myself and do not get near other people. Insects don't care. They don't reason. Or should I send them to a vet.
Pierre Agius
May 27th 2008, 15:10
To Kenneth.
I mentioned insects for various reasons. Firstly out of space, timesofmalta limits you to 200 words. In my second contribution I mentioned both cows and pigs I believe. But I wanted to drive a point here. Nowadays people have started to have some sort of moral dilemma about large fry but have no moral issues with squashing a roach. A lady earlier on mentioned reasons of disease spread. Sorry Miss. You and I spread disease as well whenever we cough and sneeze. Should I be stamped to death? I repeat what I said in my 2nd contribution...this is a moral dilemma to many people. Animals over insects ?!! (lets not call them pests because that has different connotations to different people) Why kill grasshoppers like they are an international enemy ? What right do I have over the world over and above the hopper ? Intelligence ? So Intelligence = oppression and murder I suppose ?
Pierre Agius
May 27th 2008, 14:54
@ J Borg - Why cant I compare insects to dogs ? Are some more equal than others ? Why ask farmers and not people bitten or stamping on dog poo ? Of course I am trying to bring an analogy here and in no way condoning the horrible, inhuman act of killing or even hurting dogs. Why cows are ok to slaughter but dogs no ? Why rabbits yes and cats no ? Why do you kill a cockroach and at the same time condemn someone who kills a dog ? That is a dilemma to me (well not to me cause I don't kill insects but to you).
Is it ok to kill a dog and eat it as they do in some eastern countries ?
I am not saying that the above is correct I am just saying that many people who profess to love animals then murder insects / rodents etc... without any remorse whatsoever. Who says the dog is more equal than a rodent or an ant in our house ? What right has a dog or a cat over a lizard ?
Kenneth Cassar
May 27th 2008, 14:02
Pierre Agius makes a valid observation, although I'm actually surprised that he mentioned animals whom most people see as pests and not other animals one will usually find burned on the dinner plate. And even though intelligence is irrelevant in moral matters such as the right to life, it should perhaps be pointed out that, for instance, animals such as pigs are actually more intelligent (in the human measure of intelligence) than dogs. See http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6759569668944536838
Maria Schembri
May 27th 2008, 13:57
@ J Borg
Actually we are Homo Sapiens Sapiens, so technically speaking we should be well above that!
I condemn this disgusting act, and I disagree with Pierre Agius who compares dogs to insects! Whereas there are insects that are actually beneficial which I don't kill, there are others which are not, and are simply carriers of disease. So I wouldn't compare them so lightly.
J Borg
May 27th 2008, 13:27
@Pierre Agius
How can you compare an insect with a dog?
Insects do not understand, cannot be taught and do bring a lot of troubles (ask farmers) and illnesses.
Pamela DeBattista
May 27th 2008, 12:19
I just cannot understand how someone can have the guts to do such an incredibly cruel thing to an animal that brings so much joy and companionship. Why on earth did this dog deserve to die in this way ?? Can you imagine what this MONSTER can do to humans ? What action is going to be taken to find out who did this and to make sure this story is not repeated in the future ?
vanessa grech
May 27th 2008, 09:37
This is a barbaric and sick attack - unfortunately there are too many of them going on all over the world. However in most countries, the animal shelters are equipped both with the staff and facilities to look after abandoned and abused animals plus they also have the authority and government and police back up to find and prosecute all those guilty of this abuse - so where does that leave Malta ????? somewhere in the last century???????
Pierre Agius
May 27th 2008, 09:23
My first reaction to this is of course to condem the perpetrators without reservations and hope that one day such people will get caught and a good example made out of them.
However I cannot but smirk at all the people writing here and I ask them one by one, it is well and good condeming this act, heroic I say. As soon as you finished writing your contribution, and noticed the cockroach walking along your hall, did you step on it and murder it ? What about the colony of ants coming out of your walls, did you spray poison at them ? The flies and mosquietos, did you let them live ? The little mouse out in your garden ...did you make it pass through hell before it died in your rat mouse trap ? The lizard living happily on your bedroon ceiling, did you squash it with your broom ?
I didn't do any of the above and that it why I can really condem the dog killing, can you really condem this act and then kill without reservations all those insects ? It is quite paradoxical.
A Azzopardi
May 27th 2008, 08:41
Shame!! How can one perform such a cruel, disgusting act?! Government please consider implementing serious animal rights to those caught abusing and not giving them petty fines. Moreover, there should be more public awareness...let's stand up for these poor animals' rights...speak up if you know someone is abusing of them...
I can never ever understand how it can be that you harm animals when all they do is love you and yes...worship you!
Anna Schmidt
May 27th 2008, 08:12
We saved a dog that was thrown in the fields in a box and a lovely cat wwhich was put in a plastic bag together with another 4 kittens which did not survive.....! Both lovely and amazing creatures!
Whoever did this crime to the dog should be taken to court....European Court!
l borg
May 27th 2008, 08:02
TO MR GRAHAM CROCKER
I SAY ONCE AGAIN FOR A THOUSAND TIMES
HITLER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH OF 50 MILLION PEOPLE AND NOT JUST 6 MILLION JEWS
IN WORLD WAR 2 50 MILLION DIED AND IN THE LAST CENTURY 100 MILLION WERE KILLED MOSTLY CIVILIANS
Fleur Spiteri
May 26th 2008, 23:22
What kind of animal can do something like this ? To have the guts to burn a dog alive is something beyond my understanding especially considering that all dogs give you back is love. Can anyone imagine the pain the poor animal went through before actully dying ? Same as in the past, i do not expect anything to be done about this, no matter who condems the act !! Shame on who did this, shame on us all for accepting it and more over shame on the people who can do something about it but never do !!
Franco Farrugia
May 26th 2008, 23:12
Ever since the inception of the Local Councils, what did they EVER do in favour of animals, except trying to introduce by-laws to stop people from feeding pigeons or cats!
It is disgusting that no Local Council has ever thought of organising some sort of collection in favour of animal welfare and wellbeing. And then, these LCs expect sanctuaries to look after strays in their localities!
Absolutely disgusting! We ignore the fact that Mahatma Gandhi once said that the strength of a civilised nation was measured in the way that nation treated its animals!
And as for pets being allowed outside unaccompanied, I am sorry: I have very harsh views on it. If you let your pet go out unaccompanied, ... that pet is not yours at all! Would you allow your child to roam the streets alone?! ... so, there you are!
l borg
May 26th 2008, 22:58
ONE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT SOME HUMANS ARE BORN WITHOUT A SOUL
laurence schembri
May 26th 2008, 21:34
Yes!!! And this is from a supposed to be a civilised nation...shame!! How can this person can go to sleep at night I shall never know. All he/she had to do is to go to a vet and put it to sleep humanly. I have just seen a photo of it and honestly it makes you sick. This photo will travel round the world within a few minutes. Brand Malta.
Graham Crocker
May 26th 2008, 21:30
This is a crime, that deserves Jail or Hospitalization at Mount Carmel and not fine, at least they should throw who ever did it in jail for "suspected Narcotic abuse", because you'd have to be way way out of your mind to do such a thing.
Could have been my pet, but once I found out who it was, the question would be
"Who do you think would be in Jail me or the Sick Criminal?"
I let my cat go outside, because it would be cruel to imprison him and yesterday I had a Cat-Poison scare, due to finding a dead cat nearby.
Let me tell you, killing animals should be a crime & not an offence, apart from being disgusting & barbaric it can provoke vendetta crimes as well as being a detriment to our society.
Just like Cannabis is a gateway drug, Animal murder is a murder gateway.
Hitler used to throw dogs and cats off towers for fun when he was a kid, and when he grew up he killed 2-6 million Jews, so yes killing domestic animals should be a crime punishable by jail.
Mario Gauci
May 26th 2008, 20:42
Sadly one hears of another atrocity carried out on a defenceless animal. What cowards! I do hope that the authorities especially the Police do follow up any leads that might be forthcoming and arrest the individual/s involved. If that happens, the courts should impose such a severe penalty as a means od deterrent. But I am sure that nothing will be done as after all animals have no vote!
Sylvia Zammit
May 26th 2008, 20:37
The Island Sanctuary Association totally condemns this cruel and senseless act. We call on the relevant authorities to do their utmost to bring the perpetrators to justice - and, should they manage to do so, to make an example of them by giving them a punishment worthy of the crime. This time, let's not repeat the so called sentence meted out to the monster ( for want of a better word) from Siggiewi. Once for all, we need to show that injustice committed against animals is a crime. After all, the law is supposed to protect all members of society, and that includes animals too.
Franco Farrugia
May 26th 2008, 20:02
SHAME ON WHOEVER IS BEHIND THIS HEINOUS ACT OF AGGRESSION! SHAME ON YOU AND DON'T DARE CALLING YOURSELVES HUMAN BEINGS!
IMAGINE PUTTING A DOG ON FIRE WHILE STILL ALIVE. YOU DON'T EVEN DO IT WHEN DEAD, LET ALONE ALIVE.
HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY DO A THING LIKE THAT?!!!!
BEWARE, PEOPLE OF SAN GWANN! THERE IS A CRAZY LUNATIC IN YOUR MIDST?
Triduha bil-Malti? Ghandkom mignun certifikat jghix fostkom! Jew imgienen certifikati! Aqflu l-bibien ... thallux annimali u pets barra fit-toroq ... ghassu sew u tafdaw lil hadd!
S. Debono
May 26th 2008, 18:35
I completely condem this act without reservations. Whoever is responsible for this is a coward and is not worthy of being called an intelligent human being. That said, however the councils should be ashmed of themselves for not doing enough (or anything) to control the problem of strays roaming the street. Instead of washing their hands from the problem of stray dogs by saying that they do not have the resources. Councils, should house strays somewhere fenced, until the strays can then be taken care of by NGOs / SPCA etc.. It does not take huge amounts of money for the San Gwann coucil to temporarily use any abdondend field in the valley between San Gwann / Ibrag/ St. Julians, fence it with some cheap wire and feed/water the animals.
Doing so, the councils would be showing to the general public that they are ready to intervene in any creative method possible to protect the interests of the inhabitants (and of the animals themselves). It is no use condemning the barbaric act of murdering this dog but then going back to the office and doing zilch about it..
J. Borg
May 26th 2008, 18:12
Homo sapiens?
Guess it is a question of , what's one's behaviour is rather than what one is!
Joe Borg
May 26th 2008, 17:37
am i reading the news of 26th may 2008, or 26th May 1008.