A neutered animal is cheaper to own

Christine Peters (June 4) is entirely correct when she says that the strays problem in Malta and Gozo is caused by owned pets and irresponsible owners. During April and May this year, Gozo SPCA picked up 104 animals none of which was feral, which means they were all previously owned animals that were abandoned.

We have long held the view that the strays problem will never be solved until the majority of owned cats and dogs are neutered as a matter of course.

This is why we offer to pay half of the vet's fees for Gozo residents, no matter who the person or what kind of pet. Only in very rare cases do we pay the full fee, because we reason that if an owner finds it difficult to pay this small sum, then they have not truly taken into account the real cost of looking after an animal for life, and so probably will not be able to afford that either. In any event, a neutered animal is cheaper to own in the long run because it is generally healthier, fitter, happier and less likely to be in an accident or fight since it is easier to control and keep indoors.

We have heard the argument that subsidising the spaying of owned pets could be open to abuse, but we do not agree on two counts. The control of such abuse is entirely in the hands of the vets and the animal shelter organisations, so it is very easy to monitor.

Also, so long as the animals are being neutered, does it really matter if it is a pedigree or a mixed breed animal? We have generally found that the majority of people who can afford to pay the full vets fees will do so any way.

If you live on Gozo please call 9980 7067 for more help and information.