Editorial

The news that Freddie Fenech, who founded the Association for Abandoned Animals in 1979, is being investigated in connection with allegations of misappropriating the sanctuary's funds, rocked the foundation of trust that hundreds heaped on this man as the saviour of strays.

The five helpers who filed the police report are keen to regularise their position and not scare off donors, so in an extraordinary general meeting they voted to oust him from association president because the police are investigating the individual and not the AAA.

Mr Fenech has denied all allegations and the principle of presumption of innocence dictates that he is considered innocent unless proven otherwise.

What this incident brings to the fore is the important role of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations. For years, people generously donated money to volunteers addressing the problem of strays. Often people give money blindly, genuinely believing and trusting. Yet, at times, accountability is lacking.

It is essential to remark here that it is not unusual for volunteers to go out of pocket for their love of animals. However, accountability and transparency can only help their cause. Finally, with the emergence of the NGOs Commissioner, nobody can raise funds until the organisation is registered. To publicly collect money an organisation must be in possession of a valid certificate issued by the commissioner or a police permit; soliciting donations without this would be breaching the law.

Many have expressed the fear that the investigations into the allegations on Mr Fenech could cast a shadow over all animal organisations but those who are acting by the book are convinced that in the long run they stand to gain, not lose. As one NGO put it: "It's better to remove one rotten apple from the basket than let them all rot".

The story has also exposed the importance that sanctuaries are run professionally. For years, animal lovers were left to fend on their own, picking up injured animals off the street and relying on the public's generosity to feed and keep them.

Taking in strays off the road may look like it is solving the problem because they are not seen, but dumping dogs, of all shapes and sizes, together does more harm than good. That is when the dogs gang up in packs and the slaughter begins.

In recent years, a number of organisations have single-handedly worked to come up with a professional set-up, building pens, neutering and chipping the animals.

However, these organisations can never take a breather if the dumping of animals continues. The sense of carelessness some people have towards animals is astounding and it is these organisations and individuals that have to clean up the mess and pick up the animals. Alas, these sanctuaries are chock-a-block and if they stop caring Malta would be in a right mess.

Luckily, in recent years, animal awareness has finally crept into the political agenda and it is safe to say that the commitment is firm. Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino has come to the rescue and roped in the sanctuaries to kick start a nationwide neutering campaign.

He also launched the animal welfare centre project in Ta' Qali, which should offer a safe haven for strays once completed. Everybody just hopes it opens sooner rather than later because this could be the answer to the prayers of animal organisations that are stretched to the limit.