Updated: Dogs rescued from Sliema house

isabella peresso fiorentino

Aug 14th 2008, 17:14

So what do you suggest dear Gerald, that these dogs should have been ignored and slowly die in squalor? Or that they should have been killed?
Come on, where is your compassion? These are also God's creatures, you know. Whilst there are people who help in some way or another with hungry children, there are others who are willing to help out in animal welfare.

This is not about a "capitalist induced notion of pets being more important than humans" but
about being compassionate. So please don't be judgmental.

Mark Ebejer

Aug 14th 2008, 11:56

SOS ANIMALS MALTA - www.sosanimalsmalta.com - is an animal welfare fund. It is designed to help sick and injured strays as well as the most needy carers.

A small donation to our bank accounts shown on our website will definately help us to make a drastic change in favour of these poor creatures.

R. Buttigieg

Aug 14th 2008, 00:34

@Gerald Fenech

I dont know what kind of person you are...even if you are an atheist, you would have enough common sense to note that all living creatures have the right to live...be it a human, be it a dog, be it a plant.

We must take care of our planet. Unfortunately there is a limit to what we can offer to countries suffering hunger, due to the fact that these places are too far away. It is also unjust to condemn people from trying to do good and help these poor creatures.

What would you say if you were a dog, and I for one, would not feed you and give you shelter?

Gerald Fenech

Aug 13th 2008, 19:50

A lot of fuss over a few dogs when thousands of children are dying of hunger every day. All these capitalist induced notions of pets being more important than humans seem to fill the air nowadays.

Joseph Schembri

Aug 13th 2008, 19:01

@Henry J Bonett

I agree wholeheartedly. Why are we so quick to condemn other people without trying to understand or at least scratch beneath the surface?

Dr. Noel Calleja

Aug 13th 2008, 18:39

A very well done goes towards Dr. Chetcuti ganado and his team and also to Freddie Fenech for taking them up to the AAA. I am an animal lover myself and I think that a breeder before giving in his puppies for adoption of sale should enter into an agreement that if the new owner at a certain point cannot keep anymore the dog or bitch for any reasons whatsoever, the breeder should take it back. At least that is the EU law. In does indeed exist in the Maltese Law that a dog owner should register his or her dog with the Police of Malta and pay for a yearly license. But this is another law, not enforced at all. We as animal lovers, should take care of our animals, as most of us do and be ready to report any misconduct even on this instance, may it be on teh individualy acting on the animal or on the state of teh animal itself. As for this woman, if people know that she has other locations where animals are kept in this condition, one should report and let's hope that immediate action is take up by the compitenet authorities.

Martha Kane

Aug 13th 2008, 09:54

My compliments to Freddie Fenech who once again came to the rescue as he did last week (on a Sunday) when , whilst on the beach my attention was drawn to a very thin dog who had been there for three days in full view of everyone. A kind lady and myself took turns wetting the dog , but as usual good old Fred turned up very quickly even though it was his turn to prepare lunch for all the dogs at the sanctuary. I will not judge the woman harshley because i know who she is and her intentions when she started taking in animals years ago was admirable. Her mind and heart however have refused to accept her body's limitaions so the animals suffer . I hope that before fumigating the place, a good search was conducted for any cats that where on the premises. Unlike dogs, cats hide quietly in corners and can easily be suffocated by the fumes. I hope that the police will now very kindly persuade this woman to divulge the whereabouts of any other animals she is hoarding.The exist ,and if she happens to forget where they are THEY WILL ALL DIE !

Karl Consiglio

Aug 13th 2008, 01:29

Its a good photo, besides the dog's and the vet's, check out the girl at the back, her expression is most impressive. I can smell the stench coming out of the photograph. Three cheers to the photographer. Hip Hip....

Patrick Abela

Aug 12th 2008, 22:48

I believe it is unjust that we insult and offend the woman who decided to care for these strays of her own accord. At least she attempted to make these animals' lives better whereas we would have simply ignored. Although the state of living of these dogs was indeed a harmful and degrading one, we cannot blame the loving carer who (probably in a condition of poor mental sanity) decided to make a change.

Let us not judge by actions but by intentions

David Gatt

Aug 12th 2008, 22:07

Ok, its not good to let the place become dirty and let the smell reach the streets, but this woman was trying to give these poor animals some help. Unfortunately our country doesn't offer any help to strays and I understand this person in trying to save these animals.

There should be people, a place and a fund organised by the state to care for these lovely creatures.

VICTOR VELLA

Aug 12th 2008, 20:21

Whilst I shudder to think how the poor dogs lived, I salute this women for trying to help,I sincerely hope that o criminal action is taken againat her and that she would be allowed to visit those dogs and if possible even keep 2 of them.Regarding those of you who have complained about the police about not taking action against barking dogs owners, I say what about action against dog owners who use thier dogs for dog fighting,

isabella peresso fiorentino

Aug 12th 2008, 17:14

@ Amanda Mallia, what's the difference? Both humans and non-humans are not meant to live in such appalling conditions. I will not judge this woman, I'm sure she had her own good intentions. But I believe that whether she kept animals, old people or children makes no difference. These are all dependent on others so they shouldn't be put in different categories.

dbugeja

Aug 12th 2008, 15:48

Once a very lonely friendly stray dog followed me to work and stay with me all day but I couldn t take him home as I have 2 of my own. I phoned AAA and he told me he couldn t come for him.and told me to call SPCA. I called them and they told me that they were full up and told me to phone other associations. I called Island Sanctuary and they told me the same. I called the police and they told me they couldnt do any thing as they had nowhere where to take it.

What I am saying the government have been promising financial help for years and they should do something for these poor defenceless creatures. I understand that association can t take all the strays as they cost money and need space. We are in 2008 and are members of EU.
So animals have rights too and they should be cared and protected too.

Peter Gatt

Aug 12th 2008, 08:29

Why do we have stray dogs? Simple answer: because at one time the dog/s were kept by a so-called animal lover who later decided to abondon the dog in the street. It is about time that dog ownership is controlled and a tax levied on dog owners. After all, they soil our street and somteimes cause disturbances. I believe that a dog could be kept only if the appropriate space is available at the owener's property, namely a sizeable garden. Most modern buildings have tiny yards or roof tops where dogs are unmercifully kept all day (where they also bark incessantly in frustration). Dogs have a right to proper living conditions. If the owner cannot provide this, they he/she should not be allowed to keep the dog.

J. Galea

Aug 12th 2008, 07:54

This is clearly the case of an animal collector
Collectors may feel that they "love" animals, but they can be blind to the fact that they are not caring for them responsibly even in the face of starvation and death. Collectors often find themselves isolated and psychologically dependent on their animals, and they need and cling to them to the animals' detriment. Some suffer from mental illness. Without psychiatric help, even collectors convicted of cruelty to animals almost always revert to collecting

Marco Gatt

Aug 12th 2008, 07:48

I am sure the woman's intentions were good and she did not mean any harm to the dogs. Unfortunately, it is impossible to keep 20 dogs in a house and keep them in good condition.

At least, this story, thanks to Freddie Fenech, a real animal lover who is always there to help in these situations, will have a positive ending.

Kenneth Cassar

Aug 12th 2008, 07:46

In all probability, there are many people like this person who take in much more animals they can handle out of pity or concern for them. Such people will in time be overwhelmed with work and both they and the animals they look after will be worse off.

It is useless making laws and fines to punish such well-intentioned people. One solution would be the following:

Build a new, large animal sanctuary manned with paid volunteers (possibly from the civil service), thus making it possible for such people to take the dogs there (without fear of prosecution). At present, people who make the mistake of being too kind have only the following options: Keep on doing what they are doing (risking both their health and that of the animals in their care), and risking being prosecuted; throw the animals out where they came from; or kill the animals. All three options are not acceptable.

Most of us know that all the animal sanctuaries in Malta are over-worked, under-funded and under-staffed. This is only because the stray problem has been left under the carpet for too long. "My" idea, along with a neutering and micro-chipping campaign, would certainly help.

Jessica Spiteri

Aug 12th 2008, 01:13

The woman that has been taken in has had this happen to her twice before! She never seems to learn her lesson. May i also add that this woman has garages in other localities around the island, which are usually infested with cats and dogs all living in inhumane conditons. The neighbours hear the cries of the animals coming from her house and even though she hardly affords to even feed herself, she still insists on picking up every stray she comes across! Instead of raids every couple of years, an inspector should keep check every couple of months to make sure the number doesnt escalate as it has every single time! Although as an animal lover I understand that it is very difficult to leave a stray on the street, there is a time when you just have to say STOP. You have to be cruel to be kind! The more mouths you have to feed, the less food you seem to have! I hope this does not happen again. She is not fit to take care of herself let alone 20 dogs! i hope there were no cats!!!!

maria debono

Aug 12th 2008, 00:11

cue better a support system from the government for agencies and organisations who take in abandoned and stray animals.

isabella Peresso Fiorentino

Aug 11th 2008, 21:55

Oh these poor, poor dogs. I will not go into the merits of whether this woman should be prosecuted or not although being an animal lover does not mean taking in countless animals and then not being able to cope. I too, adore dogs but i can only handle two.

The blame must be put on the heartless, selfish people who abandoned these dogs in the first place. They are the ones who should be prosecuted for inflicting such cruelty.

Again I ask : where is the state? Shouln't the government have done something to help out?
Freddie and other shelters like him have their limits. What about the S.P.C.A aren't they funded by the government? Where were they ?

Amanda Mallia

Aug 11th 2008, 21:33

If the house was is such a state that it was not fit for animals, then the woman living in it clearly needs help too.

The many comments aimed at the woman are thus inappropriate. Had she been keeping children or other dependent human beings in such circumstances, then of course it would be a different story altogether.

FGauci

Aug 11th 2008, 20:43

To Malcolm Mifsud: forget it the Qawra police will not lift a finger to do anything in such cases let alone come and check upon a barking dog! I know because I have reported a case this winter and the dog must have died on the roof of the flat and they never bothered to come. To M Galea: consider yourself lucky to have had such a quick response from the police in your locality!

Abigail Azzopardi

Aug 11th 2008, 19:55

what this woman tried to do was good. the number of stray animals here in malta is alarming not to mention those who find joy in abusing and torturing them. freddie fenech also has a kind heart but we cant keep counting on him and other associations like the island sanctuary to shelter these unfortunate strays. although many dogs are homed there still remains a good number of those who will never find a home due to their age or condition, and these remain at the shelter. they cannot keep taking in dogs cos we choose not to take care of our pets! animals need 24 hour care and attention, not to mention the expenses needed. we need to learn to respect animals!!

A M Grima

Aug 11th 2008, 19:50

I have no doubt that this person was definitely an animal lover who couldn't bear to see a dog abondoned on the streets with no food and water. I am sure she took pity every time, hoping to find the poor dog a good home but at least getting it off the streets. Because let's face it, the dogs were put on the streets in the first place by people who couldn't care less about them. It is these people who abondoned them who should be penalised, and not this poor woman who I am sure did try her best but in the end couldn't cope.

We Maltese are such 'good catholics' going to mass every Sunday, but hey do we give a hoot about an animal left to his predicament out in the streets, starving, injured, in need of shelter from the scorching sun? Most of us Maltese don't, and it's people like this person who took pity on the dogs, who should be heard and helped.

I wish the best of luck to these dogs that they will find good homes with people who respect them too, and cherish them for they TOO are GOD'S CREATURES.

shaun camilleri

Aug 11th 2008, 19:24

To Mr. Galia I understand how you feel, the police are insesitive and on the whole useless. I mean telling someone to put down a dog because he barked for a while; should we put police to sleep when they bark too?

As for these dogs they were saved and the woman who kept them was trying to help them. Why not punish those who torture animals? What about all the other stray dogs? There are EU laws concerning strays but politicians do not care about animals as they cannot vote. And obviously the police cannot be bothered with animals either as they would like them to be put to sleep. They do not even stop the sale of illigalli caught birds. Third world countries treat animals badly - Oh sorry I forgot, this is Malta!

Franco Farrugia

Aug 11th 2008, 18:47

If only each one of us who commented about this matter had to do something concrete in favour of strays, we would be much better off - in a single morning!
For those who commented first, at this news item, they should have first read it well - in all probability, the woman took them in because she pitied them. It's expensive enough to keep one animal - imagine having 20+.

Once again, Freddie Fenech deserves our admiration and we hope that he has a team of helpers he can rely on, for the future.

In the meantime, one also hopes that people will dig into their pockets and financially help our few animal sanctuaries. Starting from our Local Councils!

Henry J Bonett

Aug 11th 2008, 17:30

The 'owner', in her own way, took pity on the dogs and, indeed, got them in where she lives. So she, too, was living in the same conditions they were. It is certainly a pitiable situation, but to say that she should be ashamed of herself when to her mind she was being kind to the animals is also useless, and unintendedly heartless. M Ciantar and J E Briffa are absolutely right. The woman in question needs help herself if she is not to instinctively repeat what she has already done before now.

William Attard McCarthy

Aug 11th 2008, 17:18

Look at the length of that poor dog's claws! I'm surprised it could even walk at all...It is high time the Govt. introduces Animal Protection Officers (sic Police) in this country. Well done to the AAA and all those involved in this operation; I hope more of these raids are carried out in the future.

kevin francica

Aug 11th 2008, 17:14

it is very easy to point fingers and demand that the owner be heavily punished. I do not know the details but I would say that this person acted in good faith. IT IS THE PEOPLE WHO ABANDONED THE DOGS IN THE FIRST PLACE THAT SHE BE MADE TO PAY. All dogs should be micro chipped so that the owners would be easily traceable. Also I do not see why a year has to pass from when an owner chips his pet till the time the certificate is received.

Antoine Grima

Aug 11th 2008, 16:45

When is the government going to introduce animal police?Chances are that these poor dogs were only saved because of the smell that was frastrating neighbors orelse they would have been left there.Every time i am out and about in my car , i come across dozens of dogs roaming the streets , starving , without water or shelter from the scoarching sun.The government is always promising animal lovers , that things are on the move as regards animal care , but this is just another lie to gain a few votes before the election . Shame on you Gonzi pn.You have been in power for a very long time , but in this sector you have failed miserably.

Desiree Cordina

Aug 11th 2008, 15:15

If only people had to see programs like Animal Miracles then they would know that a dog would risk his life to save you. Most of us cannot even start to comprehend just how much a dog can love you unconditionally. It's sad when people mistreat them....even worse when the mistreatment is macabre like some news items we've seen lately that I don't even want to mention. Sometimes I wonder of such cases because it's one thing to not be into dogs but to let them suffer or even worse, cause them suffering, it's really so wrong.

I. M. Dingli

Aug 11th 2008, 14:45

Mr. Ciantar, I believe the dogs were abondaned and not actually seen to thus I conclude that the presumed owner wasn't living in the same mess. He/she should be ashamed of himself unless he/she died and no one was taking care of the dogs.

M Galea

Aug 11th 2008, 14:40

Dear Malcolm Mifsud, my dog barked for 30 mins once and the police where infront of our house within an 1hr. After explaining to them that I had to leave the dog for 30 mins in the yard since my old mother was sick they suggested that if he barks again I can put him to sleep or else end up in court.

a sciberras

Aug 11th 2008, 14:38

such acts are deplorable.
and dont imagine this is a one of case. just walk to any scrapyard or construction office, and you will notice oil/dust-covered dogs - often tied with a rusting metal chain to the gate in the blazing summer sun, sometimes without any form of shelter and with maggot-infested containers, when these exist. sometimes in farms dogs are left with barely no food in order for these to catch the roaming rats!
what about dogs in the vicinities of places where fireworks are let off! fortunately the terrified dog that was standing tied to tthe entrance of the lija fireworks factory last year was not there this year -... hopefully someone took pity on him.!!!

A Azzopardi

Aug 11th 2008, 14:13

Another sad case of mistreated friends! At least these are now lucky enough to have AAA take care of them, a job that this association does so well.

As a sign of gratitude to this association, I suggest that more of us show them our support...visit the site www.aaamalta.com and then click on "Donate" for more info on how you can help the association. Or you can also click on "Become A Member" where you can find information on how you can help to sponsor one of these dogs.

"The greatness of a Nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." - Mahatma Gandhi

Joseph E Briffa

Aug 11th 2008, 14:12

I agree with Matthew Ciantiar. The fact that the tenant had 20 dogs suggests that she is an animal lover; otherwise she wouldn't keep twenty dogs, would she? . I suspect that the owner is not even in a position to look after herself let alone after twenty dogs. The fact that she was living in this filthy state indicates that this could very well be the case. She needs help as well as the dogs.

Matthew Ciantar

Aug 11th 2008, 13:43

It is true that people were worried about these 20 dogs living in 'filthy' conditions. But the strange part of it all i that no one seems to be worrying or care about the owner, a person who is definitely in need of help, as she as well lives in such inhumanly conditions.

Such a situation could easily repeat itself by the same owner, but what use is it of sending someone behind bars who is acting like this possibly due to some illness. Aid and cure would probably be more suitable

GEORGE REYNOLDS

Aug 11th 2008, 13:33

I agree with all the comments so far, but lets not forget the AAA who will have to feed and house these unfortunate animals. They are always short of funds so please make a donation or send them some food , they will be truly grateful.

Malcolm Mifsud

Aug 11th 2008, 13:17

At least the situation of these dogs has been handled. I've been reporting a doberman left for days on end in a balcony of a flat in Fekruna Street Xemxija, barking day and night, since last summer! The police are powerless to take any steps it seems. Anyone tell me how I go about it?

Jurgen Axiaq

Aug 11th 2008, 13:15

For once let's give an example how things should be carried out! I hope that whose responsible will be treated in the same way that he/she treated these dogs!! Some human beings are just disgusting!!

R. Gatt

Aug 11th 2008, 12:54

I sincerely hope that the property the dogs were found abandoned in, is confiscated from the "owner" and all proceeds from its sale distributed appropriately among all recognised animal shelters in Malta and Gozo.

I also hope that whoever is responsible for this and other atrocities inflicted upon any of our four-legged friends, be made to seriously pay for his crimes and not given a slap on the wrist then set free with the possibility to inflict further suffering.

I yearn to see the day when penalties applied to anyone mistreating animals be similar/equal to those applied when mistreating another human being. Animals are God's creation too and deserve to be treated as such.

Rebecca Sultana

Aug 11th 2008, 12:45

Hopefully someone will be held responsible for this deplorable act and penalised accordingly by being put behind bars for an acceptable period of time.