Distinguishing animal cruelty

The article on animal cruelty has to be admired. However, I must add, this aspect appears to have been taken out of context. Let me explain.

In my 20 years coming to Malta I have never been able to understand why dog lovers let their dogs out onto the roof space early morning, to bark all day long and through lengthy periods at night, much to the annoyance of their neighbours and without any consideration for the welfare of the dog both physically and mentally.

These are the people who should be taken to court for crimes against the society in which they live. They are so self-centred it defies belief.

I wholeheartedly agree that "these innocent creatures cannot fight back" and that they need to "be protected from sadistic people". However, what is the difference between a litter of young pups being kept in a cage and the wholesale shooting of migrant birds flying from Africa to Europe via Malta and being shot out of the sky in the pursuit of "sport"? The answer is degree and the sooner that degree is put into context the better for the birds and for all animals on the island.

However, the law moves in mysterious ways, does it not so? Who knows whether it is the justice of the law or natural justice that will prevail.

Perhaps those with hidden agendas in society will have the answer.