Neutering/spaying should start with pets

At long last something good is about to start happening to help the poor homeless animals and to reduce the immense over population of strays and abandoned animals. It is about time!

In reference to starting with the strays, however, in my country we have a saying: "The horse was saddled backwards". So I suggest that this neutering/spaying and chip campaign should begin with privately-owned pets first.

To prevent these pets' offspring from being abandoned on the streets of Malta, should there not be free neutering/spaying and chip registration (or some financial help) for pet owners? Much of the problem to do with overpopulation of dogs on the streets of Malta stems from owners irresponsibly allowing their pets to roam the streets un-neutered and un-spayed. The next stage could then be the neutering and spaying of the strays.

In the animal sanctuaries of Malta all animals are neutered and spayed. AAA is a very good example. Here every single dog and cat is neutered/spayed and chipped and provided with documentation to this effect as soon as they arrive at the AAA.

It is necessary to start with the breeding kennels and private owners to avoid overpopulation and even more animals ending up on the streets of this island. Breeders should have to declare their business and pay tax on their profits.

I urge the minister to rethink.