The sense in adopting strays

In the Education item Raising Animal Awareness Among Children (August 22), Moira Delia, well known for her dedication towards animals, was reported to have suggested to children "not to buy animals but to adopt strays".

There is much sense in this practice. Adopting a stray from a dog or cat sanctuary does not only mean offering a loving home and family to that adopted animal, but it would also signify a means for that particular sanctuary to have enough space to admit another stray animal found roaming in the streets, rain or shine.

That would-be pet, be assured, would dedicate his or her whole life to cherish and love the adoptive family.

The adoption takes place in a reciprocal manner - the human family would be adopting the animal; yet, the animal himself would be adopting that family. I say this from experience.

Would-be adoptive families should not think that by going for a pet from a sanctuary, they are going to get an animal which is full of diseases, dirt and so on.

Today, sanctuaries are run by (a few, too few, alas!) dedicated people, all volunteers, who ensure that the animals under their care get everything that is needed for a healthy and dignified life.

The authorities would do well to stop dreaming about possible culls - minor or major - in their bid to control the problem of strays in Malta and Gozo, and instead, seriously start thinking about the possibility of imposing heavy taxation on dog and cat breeders, if not totally ban the breeding of pedigrees for a limited period. In my opinion, the adoption of strays should be the aim of the authorities and they should do some heavy PR.

The importation of pedigrees should, certainly, be banned.

If the situation of strays is, as some describe it, out of control and very worrying then this certainly calls for drastic measures. However, measures must be humane and must continually respect the dignity of animals and their right to life.

In this matter, veterinarians have a very important role, if they are to be seen to love animals - something that sometimes appears to be lacking, unfortunately. They should do their utmost to inspire people to at least visit the sanctuaries, and perhaps responsibly adopt a dog or cat from there.