Proper care of animals (2)

I would very much like to say well done to Mario Spiteri. How good it is to at last see some action regarding animal welfare.

The newly-formed Animal Welfare Directorate has made great strides in combating the mounting cruelty that is breeding on our islands.

These last few weeks have been great eye openers to the public and with his help we may at last begin to put so much abuse right.

It has been the SPCA's frustration for many years now, for we have neither the funds nor human resources to provide the adequate protection our animals need. One inspector for the whole island is obviously ludicrous!

Dr Spiteri deserves a good team behind him and I hope the government sees its way to supplementing his small team.

There are some well-trained and knowledgeable men working with the Civil Protection and the ALE departments.

Together, they would provide us with an excellent animal welfare enforcement team.

I know I speak for the members of the Malta Association of Shelters and Sanctuaries (Island Sanctuary, the National Cat Society, Noah's Ark, SPCA Malta and Gozo) when I thank Dr Spiteri for his support.