Unfair criticism of SPCA

As a volunteer at the Gozo SPCA, I was distressed to read criticism of Betty Berry for deciding to put to sleep the dog which was rescued from the cave near Qala. The Psaila family did the right thing in calling the Civil Protection Department to rescue the poor dog, thank goodness, but should realise that the decision to humanly put her out of her misery will have been an incredibly difficult and painful one.

I was with Ms Berry on New Year's day to rescue the dog who was severely beaten then dumped in a rubbish bin (as reported in The Times on January 2). Upon establishing that his injuries were too severe to save him, I was with the dog when he was put to sleep. So I understand the distress that the euthanasia of the rescued dog may have caused the Psaila family.

However, I think it is unfair to pin the blame on the SPCA. The dog was clearly not "fine" as quoted by Mario Psaila in the article. German Shepards should weigh between 30 and 40 kgs and the rescued dog weighed only 19 kg.

She also appeared to be suffering from an advanced case of sand fly, for which there is no cure and therefore is extremely expensive to treat. Did the Psaila family offer to pay the bills in order to try and save the dog before accusing the SPCA of "not giving it a chance"?

The Gozo SPCA is a voluntary charitable organisation which relies on the charity and generosity of others, and we must face the facts that while obviously we want to save and re-home as many animals as possible it is not always feasible to do so. May I suggest that the Psaila family come to the centre to see our many beautiful healthy dogs who need loving homes?