Prevention is not always the cure

The other morning I made a report to the SPCA that at St Patrick Street, Birżebbuġa, three stray dogs had become a nuisance and were being aggressive to any passing person, most probably because they were hungry. Moreover, they have bloodshot eyes which give rise to the suspicion that they are severely sick.

I was informed by the person who answered the phone that such reports can only be entertained if lodged by the locality's police. Consequently, I phoned the Birżebbuġa police station and after having explained the whole situation to the attending officer, I was duly informed that no such report may be lodged before the dogs bite someone. Needless to say this left me dumbfounded. I was further informed that this was laid out in the law.

Not having lost heart I phoned the Birżebbuġa local council which confirmed what I was told by the SPCA and the police, and told me of the council's frustration with the whole situation. So whereas I was always taught that prevention is better than cure, I am now waiting to hear that someone has been bitten by these stray dogs so I can lodge a report with the police and then the ball may start rolling for the dogs to be picked up.