In his letter, Franco Farrugia (August 23) implies breeders are causing the problem of strays. If I understand correctly, he wishes a tax to be levied on breeders and to ban the breeding of pure breeds and the importation of pedigree animals.

If this is a solution to solving the stray animal problem, it is clear he does not know what's what! How many pure breed animals are found roaming outside? Mostly these are Heinz 57 varieties of cats and dogs whose irresponsible owners have not neutered, so they breed like crazy.

No mention is made about neutering pet animals which is the first step to reducing strays.

Many breeders sacrifice time, energy, money and heartache to breed the best types of pure breed animals and they certainly do not throw them out in the streets.

Six years ago, I adopted a street cat from a "sanctuary" in Luqa. The state of the cats was a nightmare and my cat was riddled with disease.

My next cat I picked up from the streets. I neutered and vaccinated both cats. I also breed dogs as a hobby so I can see all sides of the picture.

No responsible breeders would let their animals be disposed of at pet shops or owned by irresponsible people who only want to breed for money.

Skillful breeding is an art and a responsibility. So what right does Mr Farrugia have to ask somebody who wants to buy a pure breed Alsation, for example, to take a mongrel instead? Or someone who wants a Persian cat to take a feral cat instead?

The reality is that it is not breeders who cause these problems but people who leave their "pets" to wander outside and who refuse to neuter substandard animals.

The secret is to ensure that all animals handed out from sanctuaries and breeders are neutered. Then we can start to see some results.