Act of kindness to stray animals

A pug was found earlier on this week in Luqa. Clearly abandoned by his former heartless owners, this dog suffered terribly from famine, thirst and neglect. Its physical state was so bad that unfortunately it had to be put down. This is just one of the many stories of animal cruelty and abandonment that we animal lovers encounter on a day to day basis.

Although fortunately, awareness against animal cruelty seems to be on the increase, without adequate legislation and radical changes in present practices, such a pathetic state of affairs will not be easily improved.

One primary issue which I feel needs priority attention concerns the introduction of obligatory micro-chipping of pets and the registration of pet owners.

Such a measure should hopefully reduce cases of abandonment through placing more responsibility and accountability on pet owners.

Furthermore, to address the problem in the long-term, tight restrictions should be introduced on animal breeding. Such regulation should help to instil the concept that animals are not there for profit making nor do they need to be of pure breed for one to love.

So, if you really love animals and want to own a pet, opening one's home to a stray or adopting one from an abandoned animals sanctuary is one of the most noble and responsible gestures of kindness and love that you can make.