Playing one's part in neutering of strays
Recently I was buying some dog food in a pet shop at Birkirkara and I noticed that the lady before me was buying a large amount of cat food. Usually I mind my own business but then I heard her say to the shopkeeper that someone had abandoned some kittens in her area. So I plucked up the courage to ask her if all that food was meant for stray cats and she said that most of it was meant for the stray cats in her area. I asked her whether she neuters them in order to avoid them multiplying and she said that she can't do more than she is already doing...that in her opinion she is doing more than enough. I told her that feeding them is not enough and that the government has launched a neutering campaign where one can neuter stray cats for free. She told me that if I was so eager about it then I should do it myself.
I was a bit disappointed by her reaction. It's true that we all lead a busy life and I can understand her being angry that it's always the same people who end up doing the dirty work while most of the Maltese population just sit there and complain. I am doing my part by neutering the cats at my workplace but I can't neuter all the stray cats around Malta. Everybody should do his part.
I encourage people to call SPCA, Cat Sanctuary, Noah's Ark, Island Sanctuary or AAA and ask for information about the neutering tickets which are entitlement to neuter stray cats and dogs. If we don't neuter stray animals they will keep multiplying, facing early deaths, dangerous roads, hunger, disease and cruel humans. If we join forces we can make a difference.
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CARMEL SERRACINO-INGLOTT
Aug 6th 2008, 03:19
The neutering programme started. The National Cat Society offers help and space for the recovery of operated cats. To accerlerate the programme we need more cat traps and help from local feeders. As usual a lot of bla bla goes on when action is what is needed. At Thomasina Cat Sanctuary we care for 360 cats all neutered. 3 volunteers a day do the job in less than 4 hours. These are many a time helped by foreign European Youths who are sponsored by the EU through the Youth in action programme but these are not guaranteed and much much paper work is involved; sufficeing to say that about 6 months pass from time of application to the arrival of the youth ( i.e. if the application is approved).
No killing of 'surplus' animals from the stray population is being advocated. Be rest assured. I know that a vet or two agree to this BUT this IS wrong and if any government allows it, it is guilty of murder . Be rest assured that no repetition of Manuel Island would be allowed. Some sanctuaries need help badly and the government has offered help but still good administrators are lacking
Franco Farrugia
Aug 5th 2008, 17:48
@ M. Vella - 'I know we kept four and they are our world to us.' Oh, I know the feeling, Mr Vella. I have two 'babies' myself. I got them from the streets and I prize them as if they were the most valuable cats in the world! It's not I who make them happy - they make me happy! ... Ah! here comes one of them, staring hard at me, wanting food, no doubt! :-)))
Clive Vella
Aug 5th 2008, 16:04
I find that those who couldn't care less about strays outweigh significantly those who care. However, those who care are sub-divided into those who care in the 'imsiken' fashion and those who actually try and ease the situation. Whilst its commendable that the former feed these strays, to me its baffling how neutering these animals is not seen as an option by many. We have picked up many kittens from Marsascala, some almost dead from hunger or worms from our several cat colonies.. Which means people who decide to put food and water outside
The response that we got from neighbours is that 'eh ahna intuwom xi ikel li jkun fadal ta'.. All these people do is increase the density of strays in one immediate area. If you're interested enough, kittens can be caught quickly and the new program of free neutering does work. I would recommend that local governance have a pick up service since it falls within their responsibility to mantain order on their streets. Animal sanctuaries can only do so much
Fortunately there are some good souls still who are willing to adopt these animals. I know we kept four and they are our world to us.
Franco Farrugia
Aug 5th 2008, 09:39
I agree with neutering, but I would be extremely contrary to a new killing policy for strays.
The Questionnaire about stray dogs and cats which we received in our homes does not appear to be sending a positive message regarding strays.
Most questions were rather negative. Questions about whether animals should be put to sleep - KILLING! - or wheter anyone was ever bitten by a stray. The wrong message is being given to people.
In this context, I am amazed that some established and respected animal associations, such as The Island Sanctuary, Noah's Ark, and National Cat Society, have approved this Questionnaire (presence of logos).
I sincerely hope that the no-kill policy will continue to be defended and maintained in these Sanctuaries.
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