Pack of dogs attacking cats
This 'vicious' dog was tranquillised before escaping.
Residents in the Swieqi area have expressed concern over a pack of vicious dogs which are killing a number of domesticated cats.
Both the SPCA and Swieqi council confirmed that a number of residents have complained about the dogs roaming the area.
In the last week alone, at least four cats and a goat were killed by the dogs, which, according to witnesses, were roaming in packs of five to 15.
"We would like to catch them because the problem is spiralling out of control," a spokesman for the SPCA told The Sunday Times.
Daniela Galea from St Andrew's was devastated after she found her cats mauled to death.
"After investing so much love, care and attention I never expected to find my cats dead in my own garden. They had become part of the family. The dogs actually jumped over a secured gate. We now fear for our safety. What if there was a young child playing in that garden? What chances would it stand against these aggressive dogs?"
Mario Spiteri, director of animal welfare, was forced to use his dart gun to tranquilise an enraged dog in Pembroke last week - but as the tranquiliser wore off, the dog still managed to escape before it could be transported.
Despite limited resources, Dr Spiteri insisted that his team was doing its utmost to deal with the situation - around 19 dogs which were causing a nuisance had been caught - but the problem persists in a country with insufficient animal shelter facilities.
The answer lies mainly in neutering and more enforcement to ensure dog owners do not abandon their pets, Dr Spiteri said.
Reports of dog attacks on cats are received at all hours of the day but there are no rescuers or mobile squad car units available to intervene.
However, he advised against extremism - insisting there was no cause for alarm - though warned that all dogs in the street should be regarded as potentially dangerous. Likewise, residents should stop harbouring unsafe animals.
"When dogs are on their own they are often calm and loving. When they move in packs they become a hunting machine. We have to be careful before re-homing dogs with a history. Our remit is to protect dogs from all harm, but we have to deal with vicious dogs as well to make sure residents are safe," Dr Spiteri said.
Swieqi council executive secretary Hugh Zammit said the problem emerged some three years ago when two dogs in Triq tal-Franċiż appeared to be out of control. Since then the number of dogs moving around in packs has increased and a number of cats were attacked - as was a young girl. Each report is forwarded to the police, Mr Zammit said. When contacted, the police said they were investigating the reports.
The SPCA insisted that only a couple of dogs roaming around in packs were strays and expressed concern that several animals actually have owners who allow them out.
It is a normal characteristic for dogs to follow their 'leaders' and sometimes they might act aggressively towards other animals.
An SPCA spokesman urged the public to try to do their utmost to contain potentially dangerous dogs in an enclosed area. Only last Thursday, SPCA staff tried to locate the pack responsible for killing the cats, but to no avail. The SPCA called for a 24-hour enforcement team which could round up these dogs.
"Dumping of pet dogs is occurring daily as many owners seem to have little regard for the welfare of these animals. All sanctuaries and shelters are full - and have been for over a year," the association said.
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Neil Zammit
Nov 5th 2012, 10:38
Maybe people just assume and expect that the SPCA will take action, but the Malta SPCA is nothing li SPCAs of other countries, like the UK for example. In the UK they have a team of people, like animal police. They are paid by the government and well equipped to catch all the animals that need to be caught. In malta most of the people with SPCA members are volunteers...
Franco Farrugia
Apr 7th 2009, 12:58
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN ... PRAISE WHERE PRAISE IS DUE.
At the moment, on Italian TV channels, the Abruzzo earthquake is top priority news.
Please, notice the praise that is being directed towards the search-dogs that are giving excellent service in helping all those involved with the search and rescue.
On a sadder note, and in contrast, please note the arrival of some 'sciacalli' ... those thieves who make lives even more difficult than it is now for them.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 6th 2009, 18:59
I repeat: the last thing we need is a few people throwing panic at one and all. This mentality of protecting one's 'own' needs to change if we want to call ourselves true animal-lovers. Protect your 'own' by all means, but have a heart at the homeless.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 6th 2009, 16:01
@ Reno Calleja: Just because an unhappy tragedy took place in Italy, of which we are all aware, thank you very much, it does not mean that every pack of dogs, or indeed a dog on its own, is going to do likewise. Panic is the worst form of action that you can do on any population, especially when it's unfounded. I disagree with the fact that you find nothing wrong in cats being mauled, but only think about fellow human-beings being hurt. Luckily, some of us are free of this speciesism sentiment and try to take a more holistic approach in the matter. We cannot harbour prejudice on animals, in the same way we cannot have prejudice on fellow human beings. Otherwise, the sins of the past of every person will soon come haunting us again, and then it will be a never-ending story. I repeat: with a little bit of action and good will, there will be no further problems. But each one of us must do his or her bit, and not sit down like armchair critics pontificating from across our PC as to what should be done.
LGalea
Apr 6th 2009, 07:37
Franco Farrugia
I love animals and always took very good care of my pets.
If the owners or ex-owners could be found then yes, throw the book at them.
However, in such a situation, what is better, eliminating a dog or dogs or allowing them to attack people and perhaps kill a child.
I feel sorry for the dogs, but one cannot allow things such as these since the authorities have done nothing about the problem.
reno calleja
Apr 6th 2009, 00:21
this is very serioius. these dogs can easily turn on humans. only a week ago in Italy a pack of dogs tore to pieces a 9 year old boy.
what are the authorities waiting for. A tragedy to happen?
reno calleja
zurrieq
Franco Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 21:08
@ Mr George Swindells - Indeed, a proper licensing system, with cheap chipping or other means of identification, is necessary, and as long as there is just a nominal fee, I am sure most people will cooperate.
As for dogs hunting in packs and taste of blood, ... well, I am sure there are no animal psychologists around, are there? So, no need to bring about more panic among the population, especially since there is no need for this.
I am sure that if we really put our heads together, we can find a solution to take precautions and action which are effective as well as animal-centred.
But we need the good will.
George Swindells
Apr 5th 2009, 20:49
Follow on from previous post:-
If we are serious about this then we also need to be proffessional. There is no need to start a long drawn out process to try and find a solution - it already exists. There are proffessional and trained organisations and operatives in Europe and the US, surly we can set up with their expertise.
Incidentally I am a dog lover and humanitarian, I will help as much as I can when I see suffering, but if confronted by a pack of agressive dogs I will protect my self and my own!
When I take my own small dog out for a walk, with the requisite paper and plastic bag, I make sure I carry a strong walking stick for some protection.
Is this right that I and many hundreds of other people are now afraid to walk our streets, not because of muggers be because of packs of dogs?
George Swindells
Apr 5th 2009, 20:27
We at least seem to have a concensus on one thing - Chip Now!
Along with that must also be a proper licensing system and payment. i know the argument against - this will cause more dogs to be abandoned.
As regards dogs hunting in packs - because that is what they are doing - once the dogs get the taste of hot blood from the kill the more they want to kill and the more agressive they get.
As far as taking any animals caught to any of the pounds , who is going to catch them in the first place? And then where or who will take them?
Locally what we we all say if the goverment ask everybody to accept and Animal Sanctionery and Warden Service funded through and extra tax?
Yes of course irresposible owners should be subject to harsh justice, it is already against the law to have a dog on the street without a lead. So enforce the law. But who is going to do it - The Wardens? I think not.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 19:58
@ Mr Formosa. Thank you for being yet another voice speaking in favour of strays.
I think we ALL admit that dogs, forming packs, are indeed a danger.These dogs must have come from somewhere. Swieqi area is not a place normally linked with abandoned dogs. These dogs must have come from somewhere, especially if some of them carry collars, as has already been said and noted.
Dear Mr Galea, what you call 'prevention' can only take the form of formed and well-thought-out campaigns in the media. Nothing else.
And yes, of course, I am profoundly devastated at the thought of cats being attacked. But even human beings are known to inflict pain and other atrocities on animals. So, following some people's way of thinking, do we kill human beings as well?
No. Education and changing mentalities will do it.
R Formosa
Apr 5th 2009, 19:05
This pack is only following natural dogs' instinct. I'm sorry they killed the cats. Even if they were not hungry they'd still kill the cats. It's natural that dogs form packs. I wonder why we are so angry here. This pack needs help - I hope they won't be killed for just being dogs!
Franco Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 18:58
I wish to take just a bit more space in this blog to say what kind of PR is necessary in this sphere:
Campaigns about the need of holding on to our pets - pets are for life. Separations, a new baby in the family or changes in jobs ... all these may sometimes spell bad news to the four-legged members of families.
Campaigns in favour of adopting animals from animal sanctuaries, rather than buying them from breeders. This helps a tremendous lot. It helps sanctuaries to liberate a place or two and bring in more strays into their sanctuaries, hence off the road!
Campaigns to clamp down on breeding. We have a problem in this country, in the shape of strays. We need a moratorium on breeding. In that manner, people would be encouraged to consider adopting a stray puppy or kitten instead of a pure breed. At the end of the day, that pet would still be a treasured addition within the family.
We need to have campaigns about cleanliness in the streets, picking up the dorppings of our Fido; and not to allow our Fido to go out on his/her own in the evening or at night.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 17:50
@ Mr LGalea - What I am trying to say, Mr Galea, is that animals are, in actual fact, our victims, and not the other way round.
Animals which once were loved pets find themselves for the first time on their own, outside, without food nor shelter. They find themselves outside because human beings decide so: for various reason which are generally built on IGNORANCE and EGOISM!
It is our duty, as human beings, to LOOK AFTER these strays. And find a good solution.
And more public relations is needed to educate the people, and to create a conscience!
emanuel magrin
Apr 5th 2009, 17:11
@ L. Galea.
Well said Franco and Sylvia.
Strays or any other animal should not pay with their life just because we have selfish and irresponsible Citizens. Killing them will not solve anything as irresponsible people will get more and abandon more. Its these irresponsible "owners" that must be stopped once and for all. A solution does exist to stop abuse on animals.
Neutering, Microchipping must be made compulsory. Then there must be tough laws and law enforcement so that these irresponsible people get what they deserve - JAIL SENTENCES.
Lets not forget that when animals are left out on their own to roam the streets or worst still abandoneed they have to face several perils such as lack of food and water and they also play Russian Roulette with Malta's heavy traffic situation and many a time with countless heartless people doing it their own way.
Finally, BREEDERS MUST ALSO BE STOPPED. Every week I notice new litters are put for sale in just one pet shop.
Joseph Attard
Apr 5th 2009, 17:10
Not all people care about animals. We have all those strays simply because people don't bother to throw out cats and dogs once they are fed up with them. Also people should be encouraged to neuter their pets. In most cases it is healthier for the pets.
M.SAID
Apr 5th 2009, 17:07
Are we serious here or what?????? The dog darted in this photo is still a puppy considering the ratio with the dart, unless the dart was shot from a rocket launcher.
Maybe not bigger than a chiuaua. And "domesticated" cats are supposed to be kept indoors as far as I know so how its possible that these dogs attack and kill these cats?????
We should respect these poor dogs cos they are for sure hungry........the real animals in this situation are those "humans" who abandon these dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 17:03
''What do you prefer, your child or a dog?'
To me, they are equal. They are both precious lives. Just because I happen to be a human being, it does not necessarily follow that children are a priority over dogs.
Do not misunderstand me. Let me put a question to you: 'If your own son and a neighbour's son were in danger, who would you save first?' But you have to answer it in your heart.
It is all a question of speciesism. Of course, since we are human beings, we don't care much for other animals' lives ... we only care for our won. .... we think that we are the more advanced ... the more civilised ... well, many, many times, I am given to wonder about the sense and the logic of such thinking.
Yeah, you can go on and call me 'crazy'. Even those people who were pioneers in anti-slavery were termed as such!
Franco Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 16:59
@LGalea: 'What would you say or do if your pet or God forbid your child was mauled or killed by such dogs?'
Why do you put the rhetoric 'God forbid' in front of 'your child' and not in front of 'your pet' to include both pet and God? Those who truly love their pets and their children know what it means to love your pets! They are part of your own family.
'Ever heard of the saying that prevention is better than cure?'
What do statistics show with regard to murders and animal maulings on children? How many murders have taken place in the .... past year, shall we say? And how many animal attacks have taken place in the ... last centruy, shall we say? So, by your own terms, let's go and kill every human being, because human-to-human attacks are rampant! Prevention is better than cure - your words. So, let's go and take the law into our hands and kill anyone whom we see as a potential danger, why don't we?
.....
LGalea
Apr 5th 2009, 16:24
Franco Farrugia
What would you say or do if your pet or God forbid your child was mauled or killed by such dogs?
Ever heard of the saying that prevention is better than cure?
If the authorities and the irresponsible dog owners do not provide the cure, should you not try to prevent the disease?
What do you prefer, your child or a dog?
Sylvia Zammit
Apr 5th 2009, 16:17
I would not go so far as to say I prefer cats to dogs :-) - but I do love cats a lot! People like L.Galea amaze me! How can he/she condemn dogs for attacking cats - then encourage others to attack the dogs?!
Franco Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 15:07
Well said, Ms Zammit.
I, too, prefer cats to dogs - I have two cats of my own, but truth is truth.
All of you, read what LGALEA writes, and judge for yourselves who is the more civilised being! 'The citizens should not be afraid to put down the dogs themselves since no one appears to bother.'
What Galea is advocating is that the citizens just goes and kills the dogs! Just like that. Are these words of a civilised person that should be produced, verbatim, in a civilised blog belonging to a civilised newspaper? In other spheres, these words are nothing but inciting violence against animals.
This is no way to bring this matter to a proper solution.
Sylvia Zammit
Apr 5th 2009, 14:29
It is totally against my principles to have any dog put down when it's healthy. Unfortunately, such dogs are just following their instinct.Before anyone attacks me for not loving cats - please note I share my home with 10 cats, who all live in harmony with my dogs (and I do feed stray cats too!) The difference is I'm the 'pack leader' - while these dogs have no human to restrain them. It's shameful that, in fact, some of these dogs do have owners who let them out on their own.Yes, it is time micro chipping (and neutering) were made compulsory - only then might we know a solution to this neverending problem.On the other hand, I doubt if these dog 'owners' would be bothered to do either .Letting a dog out on its own is always dangerous to the dog itself after all.
LGalea
Apr 5th 2009, 14:09
This is getting out of hand as everything else in Malta.
The citizens should not be afraid to put down the dogs themselves since no one appears to bother.
Then if the owner calls he should be arraigned for having left a dangerous dog(s) running around and causing danger to others especially if they enter other persons property.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 13:41
Read carefully what correspondent Mr George Swindells is writing:
1. 'Some of the dogs in the pack that attacked the cat above had collars on - so the BELONG to somebody.'
I agree: these dogs belong to someone! Let us not think that all dogs we see in the streets are dangerous. But when they start living in packs, they DO become dangerous.
2. 'No home for them -put them down!'
Fine argument you have, sir! With what right do you kill them? Because that's what you are saying - kill them! That's a fine shortcut you are suggesting - the easy way out. Just because man failed in his duty and responsibility, the dog has to pay for man's mistakes. Where will it all end?
George Swindells
Apr 5th 2009, 13:25
Follow on from previous posting:-
Yes we MUST have a 24 hours animal catching team.
ALL dogs must be tagged.
VETs must not treat any dogs unless they are tagged first.
Some of the dogs in the pack that attacked the cat above had collars on - so the BELONG to somebody. Tagging would allow for owners to be identified. Fixed fines to be levied for dogs found on the street without their owner and off a lead.
Are familes are now walking the streets in fear of meeting these animals.
Does Malta want to be the next country to have international press because of somebody being killed by these animals.
No home for them -put them down!
The Goverment needs to act now. If the present minister responsible is not capable of dealing with this the the Prime Minister HAS to take action. Not meeting and investigations - ACTION NOW.
George Swindells
Apr 5th 2009, 13:24
My wife and I had to witness one of the street cats in our area being mauled by a pack of six dogs at 2 o'clock in the morning. With neighbours we manged to chase the dogs away and the cat saught shelter under the bonnet of our car. The next morning the cat had moved and I could not find it. Later I saw it in the street and managed to pick it up. I nursed it until I could get it to a VET who said it looked ok but there might have been damage to the spine. Next day I took the cat to our own VET who found the cats stomach had been punctured and was badly bruised. The next day I had to take the cat back to my VET again and it was put down.
I reported the incident to the police at St Julians and was asked 'Who's dogs were they?' to which I replied 'I think it your job to find out'. I was told it was nothing to do with them but they would phone the SPCA.
Nothing happened.
Franco Farrugia
Apr 5th 2009, 13:15
This is a very difficult situation.
Dr Mario Spiteri, Animal-welfare Director, as well as SPCA, should be well-equipped and given the necessary funds by the Government, particularly the Ministry, in order to face such problems.
It is no secret that such funds are not forthcoming. Or if they are at all, simply not enough.
Good equpment would ensure that not only the well-being of human beings is ascertained but also the well-being of the dogs themselves. Let us remember that these dogs are the victims of human failures. Let us not forget this.
Every effort must be made to ensure that people are protected, that domestic animals are protected ... and that these dogs are not made to pay the ultimate price for man's stubborn and egoistic behaviour.
adrian aquilina
Apr 5th 2009, 12:10
a tragedy has occured with the killing of so many cats over the last 5 years including 5 of mine.
the spca and mr spiteri try hard but we have no 24 hour spca or a national dog pound and the police as usual are useless and wont help.when 3 large dogs were at my door at 3am i phoned the police and the man who answered said"what am i supposed to do".what are the police here for?you never see them. if the police drove around the area they would be spotted quick.how come strays are picked up so quick in other countries?and the people who try to stop the dogs being picked up are not animal lovers.animal lovers would not put cats and people in danger and anyone caught leaving their dog out should be severely punished...report the dogs if you see them and report anyone who leaves their dogs out..
Robert Cuschieri
Apr 5th 2009, 11:01
Let's just hope that these dogs are caught before a tragedy occurs. Let's just hope that serious action doesn't need to wait until someone dies or is badly injured as usually happens.
Lawrence Calleja
Apr 5th 2009, 10:51
The SPCA is responsible to clear the streets of stray dogs and cats. They should be well equiped 24 hours a day and should take action whenever a report is received. So far, they are not even investigating these reports but they just inform people that if the dog has not injured anyone they will not call to take action.
Please choose the reason of your report below: