Claudia Calleja
Attard cat woman told to remove the strays from public garden
A woman who looks after a number of cats in an Attard public garden has been asked to remove the strays because the local council insists they pose a health hazard.
However, the animal welfare authorities said the cats had a right to stay there unless the Health Department declared them a hazard, which had not happened.
Wenza Micallef, who has been looking after the 28-cat colony of Ġnien Stazzjon for about a decade, received a legal letter from the Attard council warning her to relocate the cats.
"They are not mine but I love them as though they are... But I have nowhere to take them. I can't take them home and sanctuaries are full," she said as she petted Ġinu, one of the strays.
Ms Micallef, who lives in Attard, explained that when she first started looking after the cats there were only about eight strays but they had now reached almost 30.
"They are all neutered, so their generation should eventually die out. But the problem is people keep dumping unwanted cats and kittens here so, in reality, the numbers never drop," she explained.
Local council executive secretary Marica Mifsud said people kept dumping cats in the garden because they knew Ms Micallef would look after them.
The council was insisting the animals were removed because of the filth generated by their food and urine.
This was a health hazard to children who played on the swings in the garden, she said, adding that the urine had led to the uprooting of two old trees and could "contaminate the water table".
Apart from that, Ms Mifsud added, the cats caused considerable damage to the garden furniture of a bungalow that neighboured the public garden.
Animal Welfare Department director Mario Spiteri said the cats had a right to remain there unless it was proven they were a public threat or if the health authorities declared them a hazard.
If that resulted, he said, then Ms Micallef would be held responsible since animal welfare laws stipulated that whoever looked after an animal automatically assumed responsibility.
Environmental Health director John Attard Kingswell said the department had not received complaints about the cat colony.
"We usually do not consider cat colonies a health hazard but more of a nuisance, unless a medical practitioner certifies that the presence of such cats is causing a public health risk," he said.
Determining whether cats posed a health hazard, he said, depended on the number of animals, whether the area was kept clean, whether any cat food was leftover and on any medical conditions of neighbours.
Dr Spiteri warned that any tactics that harmed the cats, such as poisoning, were illegal as was dumping unwanted animals in the garden.
"The idea is that, according to law, animals cannot be harmed in any way unless they are a public threat," Dr Spiteri said.
62 Comments
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maria jenkins
Mar 18th 2010, 11:44
ma niflahx nisma aktar fuq stejjer bhal dawn!! mal qtates ha jaqbdu issa!! pu alikom anqas qattus ma tahmlu jigi mitmuh, x razza ta nies intkom, u wenza xanda xtaqsam! dik karita qeda tamel billi titmahhom imsejkna qtates li gew abbandunati, kif sirna jihu l kastig dak li jkun qed jiprova j taffi mil problema li jamel il hati.. ma kollox qbattu.. erba tijim ohra anqas asfur ma thallu jejx fil kwiet ax takkuzawh li jista jhammigkom tkunu taht sigra.. u leeee!!! taqbdu mad dajjef..
Oscar Cassar
Mar 17th 2010, 11:23
Huwa konxu l-Kunsill Lokali x'impatt psikologiku jista jhalli b'talba simili lis Sinjura Wenza Micallef ? Probabilment dawn il-qtates huma l-iskop tal-hajja ghal din l-anzjana u b'insensibilta kbira l-Kunsill qed jagixxi b'mod li jista jiftah triq ghal xi hadt iehor f'lokalitajiet varji b'iskopijiet ulterjuri li zgur mhumiex motivati minn xi 'health hazards', 'the water table' etc.
m.farrugia
Mar 17th 2010, 10:05
@L.Gatt next to the house were I live someone opened a bakery. It is a nuisance because of the soot at times and also a harzard from certain emissions. Are you of the opinion that this bakery will be removed. All over Malta we have nuisances and health harzards what do you suggest to solve this problem. My friend you have to remembe that cats are running in various Maltese villages due to the ego of the Maltese who abandon them afte getting fed up of them. We have to remember that these are God's creatures too.
Marilyn Baldacchino Gatt
Mar 16th 2010, 22:14
Well, a feeder in Attard was forced to remove stray cats from a public garden, while the owner of the car cemetry on the way down from Attard to the Qormi Valley (pics recently published on a Maltese newspaper) was not forced to remove them!!! In my opinion these cars are causing more harm to the environment then the poor cats are doing!!! Shame on whom is treating these poor cats like this!! Keep it Up Ms Wenza Micallef if you need me to sign a petition I'll be the first to help!!!
Rosalind Agius
Mar 16th 2010, 20:38
Shame on you Attard Local Council and shame on Marica Mifsud. Please Ms Mifsud do resign from your postion. You should be helping the cat's feeder with neutering vouchers not condemning her.
A. Gauci
Mar 16th 2010, 19:57
Hey Authorities!
Leave the cats alone!
I think it over like this.
Consider being in the situation of the cats. You would consider Wenza Micallef a very good person who is saving your life. These cats need to be fed and taken care of!
Emma Xerri
Mar 16th 2010, 19:26
I would like to commend all the good people here like Franco Farrugia, S Cordina and others for coming out in defence of these beautiful creatures. Most importantly, for trying to resolve this issue. The cat woman of Attard has a beautiful soul and she should not be condemned but commended for her charity to our fellow creatures. What is wrong with the Attard Council?
I wish I was in Malta right now as I would come to help out. This is something I have been long meaning to do once I return and would like to contact the good cat people on this blog when the time comes. The stray cat sitiuation in Malta used to break my heart when I was there. God Bless you all!
PS: As a cat-lover (all animals really) I can tell you that Maltese cats are among the most beautiful around.
L Gatt
Mar 16th 2010, 18:42
These cats are a health hazard and a nuisance, they should all be removed from the streets.
m.farrugia
Mar 16th 2010, 17:52
Dawk li kitbu kontra wenza ahjar jaraw min qieghed iħammeġ ir-raħal jekk hux il-qtates jew inkella dwk li joħrogu l-bosos taz-zibel x;hin ikun komdu ghalihom. Dawk li jarmu is-sigaretti fit-triq, dawk li it-tfal taghhom li ssemmew ukoll jithallew jarmu karti tal-helu, u kontenituri oħra fil-gnien li isemma, u mitt oġġett iehor li bihom ir-resident qed jiksru l-ligi kontinwament. Lanqas qattus ma tahmlu jghix bil-kwiet. Lil din il-mara l-Kunsill ghandu jikkonsidra bhala wahda mic-cittadin ta dan ir-rahal li ghanda tinghata unur ghax qeda taqbez lil min ma ghandux vuci
Maria Vella
Mar 16th 2010, 17:36
Good job. When will the Sliema local council do the same with the problem in Qui Si Sana? In Sliema it is Cat Man that pesters all collecting money to feed stray cats thus increasing the problem. I love our feline friends, but in my home, well taken care of, not in the streets, where they are a nuisance.
victoria camilleri
Mar 16th 2010, 16:37
Considering that the Attard Local Council Executive Secretary has taken other erroneous decisions in the past I cannot see how this person keeps occupying her post as ES. I don t believe that cleanliness is no 1 on Ms Mifsud's agenda as she is trying to show in this article since my street ( I live in Attard) gets swept only after submitting a number of complaints. I am sure that in the last 20 years my street has not been swept more than 10 times in all. A couple of weeks ago , we the Attard residents were asked by this same person to clean the street where we live, ourselves. Does this mean that the LC got rid of the street cleaner as well? By any chance was this decision taken during a Council meeting or by Ms Mifsud alone? Ms Micallef carry on with your sterling work with our feline friends. Though the best joke was the one referring to the water table ! Wake up Attard Local Council.
Jessica Casha
Mar 16th 2010, 15:59
Ridiculous! Have any of the Attard Local Council members ever been for a walk round Attard. Not one Rubbish bin to be seen! Actually I lie there is one which has no bottom. Are dog owners expected to walk for an hour carrying around dog feces in their hands? Or this is not considered a health hazard?
Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi
Mar 16th 2010, 15:17
Poor Cats, this kind woman is not the problem.
Lori Massini-Morgan
Mar 16th 2010, 15:11
When I lived in M'scala I fed a cat colony and even put boxes on my front porch for them to sleep. When I moved to G'mangia I asked my neighbor in M'scala if she would continue feeding the stray cats under her porch which she did. They were all neutered as well. I still buy the food to supply my friend in M'scala to feed them, I carry food with us in case we see a stray dog or cat. I feed 5 more in our new area where we live now.
Cats don't cause any more trouble than people who litter and cause damage. They have a right to be there just like a bird who is free. So what will people do next suggest all the birds be removed as well or any other natural animal.
I hope the ones who complain starve someday so they know what it's like to be hungry.
I say keep on feeding but neuter them as well.
I ran out in my nightgown 9 months pregnant to defend the stray cats I fed and I would do anything for animals to help them. We all should.
Sarah Spiteri
Mar 16th 2010, 15:00
I am appalled by the beahviour of the Attard Local Council. I urge all of you who share my sentiments to join their FB group and leave your comments there, as I have done.
c.catania
Mar 16th 2010, 14:56
@c.cassar dont you know that when you put your foot in the middle of it ,that s a lucky sign:)just a joke but yes you re right everyone should collect his dog poo but you re wrong when you said banned from beaches and 300 and so on.what if i ban you from all the beaches maybe i don t like you ,like you don t like dogs.What about animal rights?are we nazi here?give them space!what did these cats do wrong?people are hazardous cause we destroyed the world not some pee and poo
Adrian Scerri
Mar 16th 2010, 14:49
I did not expect better from a Council who expects cats to read notices. I am referring to that epitome of imbecility of "No Cats Allowed"? Cat owners don't go about with cats, and stray ones go where they will. It is those who dump cats that the notice should address. And those who take pity and feed them should be given help and shown to children as someone they should admire and imitate. And this tomfoolery of health hazard is getting on my nerves. Everything is now a health hazard. How many patients lie staring at the ceiling in Mater Dei due to cats? Enough typical Maltese under the carpet policy. All is fine, as long as we don't see it. I fear that the real problem was some scratched garden furniture and health, being a forceful argument, was brought into the fray. I have been to the garden and was never knocked out by the allegedly obnoxious smell. Please do something worthwhile for the locality and for the poor creatures by providing shelters as in some other public gardens.
SUSAN PITT
Mar 16th 2010, 14:39
It breaks my heart to hear people picking on this good lady. l have spent biggest part of the last three years helping to raise money for these poor animals. l am going back to live in the Uk soon and l am taking my 2 cats with me. Why, because l am terrified of finding them a home and then in a couple of months, they are put out on the streets because they are no longer wanted. lt would break my heart at the thought of this so at my expense they are coming with us. These cats do not choose this life, they are just dumped and this good lady does a wonderful job looking after them There a lot of people on this island like her and it is a pity it comes to this. So if you decide to have a cat remember it is your responsibility to look after it, if you cannot do this do not have one.
Stefan Cordina
Mar 16th 2010, 14:29
Franco, we can meet or you can contact me at your convenience.
L Vella
Mar 16th 2010, 14:29
THE ATTARD LOCAL COUNCIL IS CHEEKY - instead of thanking ms. Micallef for NEUTERING all the cats & taking good care of them they just cause trouble! Cats, dogs are all creatures of GOD and they do not cause havoc or disease! The fact that we have strays is the street is all our fault as we do not microchip our pets and they either run away or are chucked out. I would love to see humans doing the same to their kids! Would you chuck out your child? An Animal is for LIFE! Animals do not cause disease but The STUPID MENTALITY causes disease - that unfortunately infilrates in our children's mentality! This goes the show HOW shallow certain people are to think that the cats' urine contaminates the water table! maaaa!
All those animal haters that dont like the cats in the park should go elsewhere- you have TA QALI which is much larger - then take your children to scream and shout over there and not bug poor cats.
I think some people writing here should think before they speak!
The Local Council is losing many votes on many things and this was a big MINUS!
Oscar Cassar
Mar 16th 2010, 14:20
Mala ma ghanniex x'naghmlu ? kemm hawn min ghandu problemi akbar fil-gonna tieghu ez xi ammont ta seringi... hawn ohrajn imbghad li bi kemm ghandhom gonna fil-lokal.
Din x'atitudni hi mill-Kunsill ta' H'Attard ? Dan huwa l-mod kif il-Kunsilli ghandhom jiddiskutu mal-anzjani fil-lokal ? Isthu.
Peter England
Mar 16th 2010, 14:17
Dear Attard LC,
I take my 2 year old kid often to the garden in question. The cats are clean and most of them friendly. So much so they my kid gets to pet them... and sorry never noticed any hazards next to the swings despite attending nearly every week....and by the way the cats avoid the swings area and prefer the garden entrance area.
With regards to the "uprooting of two old trees" well pull my other one. I've got 4 cats @ home and never has a tree uprooted or died in my garden. May I suggest you try a post mortem to find the true reason why your old trees got uprooted !!
Why doesn't the coucil focus instead on the safety to arive at this garden and particularly to the pavement in front of the neighbouring construction site.
anthea doughty
Mar 16th 2010, 14:10
The number of stray cats and kittens in Malta always dismays me every year. Why do you allow these animals to remain on the streets living rough, scavenging and scrawny. A lot of them most unwell and malnourshed. It is pitiful. Round them up, encourage people or a scheme to get animals neutered and problem solved. My husband, daughter and I have eaten out a number of times and had these poor starving animals begging for food around us. The number of stray cats in Malta/Gozo is a serious neglect issue and you should be ashamed of it.
Franco Farrugia
Mar 16th 2010, 13:56
Oblivious of what is happening within the Attard Local Council! Let ONE MEMBER of that Council contact me on a personal level and let us find a good solution for the cats. A positive thing may come out of this, yet. Let us however realise that every single stray animal in our streets is the doing of a human being! Let the Council get suggestions from well-meaning animal-carers, not necessaily from Attard, and let them receive ideas how to set about overcomin this 'problem'. Legal letters sent to law-abiding persons are negative and they do not bring harmony and postivism. Th lady in question should be shown gratitude by the Council, if nothing else.
C. Formosa
Mar 16th 2010, 13:47
"This was a health hazard to children who played on the swings in the garden, she said, adding that the urine had led to the uprooting of two old trees and could "contaminate the water table"."
Could contaminate the water table - a very funny observation. I cannot imagine the urine penetrating the water table (penetrating through rock layers). They should find a more reasonable and plausible reason.
W Spencer
Mar 16th 2010, 13:44
@ Jason Borg
The same can definately be said about people, more so in fact !!
S. Barbu
Mar 16th 2010, 13:30
Attard local counsil should be really ashamed of themselves. You should really provide this woman with food for the cats and not make her life difficult because she has a heart. There is also a very kind lady at the Sliema Independence Garden who feeds all the cats, I once asked her who provided the food and I was really surprised whens he told me that she buys it all herself. Let's help these lovely women cause unfortunatley there are very few of them around.
Kurt Mifsud
Mar 16th 2010, 13:18
Ms Mifsud, nies bhalek huma ta "considerable damage" fuq dan il-pajjiz. Allura niehdu passi kontrik?
Mhux ahjar tobzqu l-verita... x'inhi l-vera raguni? Jaqaw hemm xi ras kbira toqghod vicin u qd idejquha l-qtates? Jew forsi ma tivvutalkomx is-sinjura Micallef? Drajnihom dawn il-pastazati f'dan il-pajjiz issa
Emmanuel Ebejer
Mar 16th 2010, 13:16
Shame on you Attard Local Council. You should set an example and teach people to love animals , not hate them. Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened. So my question is: Do you have a soul Attard Local Council ?
susanna callus
Mar 16th 2010, 13:00
I'm wondering what sort of activity the Attard Local Coucil holds to celebrate Animal Awareness Day! By the council's warped sense of logic the President of the Republic should take in all the stray cats in San Anton gardens. What's the difference? It is a public garden and they are stray cats after all. Instead of sending legal letters, the local council should firstly find and fine the culprits who are dumping these poor creatures, secondly whether dumped or not it is its responsibility to watch out for their welfare not their removal. This is ostrich policy - clearing the public garden at the expense of a woman who has a conscience and looks at cats as live creatures not as pests. The local council is against the dumping of cats however is willing to dump the whole colony on to the one woman who offered help. This woman should be given support rather than threatened with a legal action.
M. Darmanin
Mar 16th 2010, 12:56
@ Daniela Zammit - the mentioned disease can only be contracted via direct contact with the faeces of an infected cat. The faeces of such a cat would also be easily identifiable by the number of white worms found in them - these are not seen in clean cats. In short, unless a pregnant woman (which is the only person who is susceptible to the mentioned disease as it attacks the embryo) were to pick up the faeces with her bare hands then she and her unborn child would not be at risk. Wheras if the same woman were to 9say) step on the faeces of a rat then this would be a different story. You sound like a bright person Ms. Zammit, you can make your own calculations on what is best!
charles grech
Mar 16th 2010, 12:50
JUST A FEW WORDS TO EXPRESS OUR SOLIDARITY WITH WENZA AND THE CATS.
The Attard LOCAL COUNCIL should follow the steps of other Local Councils who organise cat caffees and cat villages and help their carers thus attracting more tourists to the area.
Its the irresponsible people who abandon animals who should be seen too and not WENZA.
The Attard Local Council should start by registering all pets in the his locality and keep a constant lookout for any missing pets. Owners who does not present a decent excuse for their missing pet should be fined as if were responsible for the abandonment of their pet. Another deterrent is microchipping. These ideas should be adopted by all local councils so that we rid off abandonment of animals once and for all. Our praise goes also for Dr. Mario Spiteri and his team for standing out and being counted on this issue. We promise our full support. As for the Attard Local Council we promise full education and information on the matter.
Emanuel Magrin
Director
Saint Francis Foundation for Animals
www.saintfrancisfoundation.com
ABORG
Mar 16th 2010, 12:45
personally, i would prefer a place full of cats than full of rats!!! the latter are repuslive and definately a health hazard!
M. Darmanin
Mar 16th 2010, 12:32
i'm ashamed to live in a country that does little or nothing to support generous persons like Ms. Micallef! The local council should set its priorities straight as I seriously doubt that any litter that is generated by the cats (if any!) could ever compare to the diseases that would spread if rats were allowed to overtake the garden... This is a public area and thus open to animals... Will the council prohibt rats from entering too??? Shame on you! The council should see where the real pollution is coming from before opening its mouth to hurl ridiculous absurdities first! Shame shame shame!!!! This has destroyed any remaining faith I had in such institutions... what a farce!!! The problem is cats have no votes, but animal lovers do and we will not take this attitude anymore! Do not give up Ms. Micallef and keep up your sterling work! We need more people like you!
Josephine Aquilina
Mar 16th 2010, 12:31
I can never understand why some frustrated people pick on animals. It is shameful. Get a life! These cats look so clean, healthy and beautiful that I cannot perceive why anyone could try to harm them in any way. Instead of taking this attitude the Council should help Ms. Micallef and encourage her to continue with her kind voluntary work. On behalf of all animal lovers I thank you Ms. Micallef.
M.Vigar
Mar 16th 2010, 12:25
For shame H'Attard Local Council - haven't you got anything better to do?!
Franco Farrugia
Mar 16th 2010, 12:20
But why is it that animals have to follow OUR NEEDS? Why is it that we cannot ever think in terms of what the animals are going through? Why is it that our authorities, here in Malta, are only interested in the welfare of the human being? Why not concern ourselves with the animals' welfare as well? Why shouldn't we FEEL what these cats are going through? The Attard Local Council can do so much more, in a positive manner, to control this problem. A few hints:
1. start a neutering programme - get help from outside Attard to have all the cats there neutered;
2. organise a couple of cat cafes to ensure that the cats have covered areas and clean water and food which does not remain there for long periods;
3. encourage neighbours to take an interest in these felines - you have no idea how important it is for your health!
If I am assessing the problem well, it's all a question of a couple of influential neighbours who are putting pressure on the Council to act.
@ Lawrence Fenech: U iva, qed jidhlulek fil-gnien u jpixxu naqra ... b'daqshekk, hemm bzonn noqghodu niktbu u ngergru?
Jason Borg
Mar 16th 2010, 12:15
Cats may look cuddly and nice, but strays cause nothing but trouble and foul smells.
Edward Camilleri
Mar 16th 2010, 12:12
What is the problem with this local council? The cats and the area are clean.
Can't we tolerate a living creature in our midst besides us humans? And because Ms. Micallef is feeding them, then its her blaim that there are stray cats? Why not the local council tackle the problem of persons releasing strays irresponsibly?
As regards a health hazard for the children playing there, this is an excuse. If cats are a health hazard, then the many families that own a pet cat are putting their children in danger. Children play with these cats, and look forward to see them. Remove the cats and you will have the area full of mice, then we will see what is a health hazard.
Paul Barrett
Mar 16th 2010, 12:03
What an opportunity for the Council to have a mini cat village for these poor strays. This would be an attraction for the children (and adults/tourists) and with the minimum of cost in keeping the area clean and tidy.
It would good publicity, probably cost less than getting legal threatening letters written as well as any future Court case.
C Cassar
Mar 16th 2010, 11:56
It's dogs and their owners who cause a health hazard in most areas of Malta. Most dog owners never clean up after their dogs foul the footpaths. They are sneaky cowards because they take their dogs out either very early morning or after dark with full intent on using pavements as free toilets for their dirty animals. Just take a look at the Sliema promenade, now that's a health hazard and not a single warden to be seen tackling the problem over the last 7 years.
Full licensing should be brought in for all dog owners at something like €300-€500 per year per dog. Any violation would result in the animal being confiscated. Dogs should also be on a lead by law in any public places (so the owner cannot deny it's their dog when a violation is commited) and banned from all beach areas.
There are no excuses.
Jon Vercellono
Mar 16th 2010, 11:56
@Franco Farrugia - After phoning the Attard Local Council, and employee told me that the Local Council as a body did not vote on this issue or discuss it. This matter was dealt with directly by the Executive Secretary of the Local Council and their Legal Counsel. The employee was not aware of any of the other legal issues involved. Hopefully, if enough people ask the council, they can explain it (or if the Executive Secretary was acting on behalf of a single complaint) - however, the employee did say that this action was in the remit of the Executive Secretary.
Joseph E Briffa
Mar 16th 2010, 11:46
Downright shame on the Attard Council. They need to have their head examined when they say that the cats' excreta contaminate the acquifer! It's unscrupous people that do this by throwing all sorts of liquids down their drain. The cats keep away the rats. The Council must realise that the cats are very healthy as can be seen in the picture. The Council should be grateful to this kind lady and should help her, rather than stress her. What a load of nonsense!
Joseph Cauchi
Mar 16th 2010, 11:37
I am absolutely disgusted by the Attard LC’s attitude towards Ms. Wenza Micallef.
Ms. Micallef is doing a very noble thing and people like her should be encouraged.
I would like to suggest to the Attard LC to honour Ms. Micallef with “Gieh Attard”, for her dedication and love towards these abandoned animals.
JC.
patrick galea
Mar 16th 2010, 11:16
Is this all about a handful of cat haters who take their toddlers to the garden or neighbouring tenants? Many are those cat-lovers including children who enjoy having the cats there. Ms Micallef is one of the most caring persons in Attard who deserves Gieh h'Attard not hounded by the Council. As for as "contaminating the water table", will the council be offering courses in geology next? Come on, find another excuse. As for the neighbours, I suggest they get a dog or build a higher wall, or a CAT; my cats won't allow neighbouring cats within their territory.
Whilst condemning those who dump pets, I think we should start looking at strays as, rat deterrents and friendly companions for young and old. The Council should commend Ms Micallef, not condemn. She personally funds the care of these felines, and asks for nothing.
Nicholas Warren
Mar 16th 2010, 11:14
Whoever has a cat knows that when the poor fella needs to go to the bathroom he/she digs a hole in the soil and thereafter covers it up his/her doings with soil and thus covers up any potential smell. I have never seen a cat litter the ground as they always seek soft spots and as I said the "clean up" after themselves! Cats are di natura clean animals and only look rugid or dirty when their environment is the same and have to fight for food so I cannot understand the argument that they are dirtying the place, especially after seeing the photo below which gives a spick and span public garden. BTW if the council wants to avoid "damage" to the furniture they should put up a few scratching poles... and should better concentrate on other important matters such as roads, pavements and the well being of its community (as should other local councils).
stephen buttigieg
Mar 16th 2010, 11:05
Thumbs up for the local council. the garden has been hijacked by cats and has become a no go area. the stench is unbearable.This has been going on for years and practically parents with small children cannot go to this garden for fear of the cats and their excrements. One other thing the article failed to mention.....the public toilets in the garden also serve as dishwashing area for the cats' food recipients.How about that for proof of health hazard. Gnien l Istazzjon should be renamed to gnien il Qattus. Please stop this animal welfare hogwash. Our children's health and right to use the garden come before the interests of 30 stray cats. If Dr. Mario Spiteri needs some proof he only needs to goto the garden.
A.Gatt
Mar 16th 2010, 11:04
...and where does the council propose to put the cats may I ask? My GOD I cannot understand why these people have to do something like this.
I am sure the cats don't cause as much damage as vandals do.
catherine tabone
Mar 16th 2010, 11:01
SHAME ON YOU ATTARD COUNCIL !
Is this the love for nature you are communicating to our children - "filth generated by their food and urine". Don't all living things eat and urinate? Unlike animals lucky enough to have a home, strays are constrained to survive in our dangerous streets. Instead of thanking Ms Micallef for the sterling work she does and which nobody else has the guts or dedication to do, you threaten her with legal action. You should be helping her ! There is nothing legally wrong with strays in a public garden. How can you say such stupid things as "contaminate the water table?" If you wish to protect the bungalow next door to the garden, raise the dividing wall. Dont take it out on nature and threaten Ms Micallef. The Animal Welfare Department and institutions, legal and otherwise, have a DUTY to protect Ms Micallef against abuse of authority and institutionalised harrassment being being exercised by the Attard Council. Before voting people into their poistions at Local Councils we should be sure they have the right education, diligence, background, intelligence and culture it takes to hold a position of responsibility that influences our everyday lives.
E Aquilina
Mar 16th 2010, 10:52
The cats in the photo look very healthy to me, the area looks pristine and no doubt this lady is just doing her bit of charity with the creatures great and small! Wenza Micallef.. please keep up the good work.. we are behind you.
Attard local council, any action against these defenceless (albeit, if voteless) creatures will only serve as the worst type of PR for yourselves.
Franco Farrugia
Mar 16th 2010, 10:50
2,
'Contaminating the water table'????????????????????? With cat urine?????? Who told you this? Marco Cremona, what do you have to say about this????
Animal Director Mario Spiteri is right when he says that cats should remain there - it is a myth to say that cats prove to be a hazard to people. He is also deserving of praise when he wasrns against poisoning!
But if what he says is true - about responsibility - then, all I can say is that once again we prove that the law is an ass, and that once again, the Animal Welfare Act is wrong, outdated and needs to be revised, and urgently, too. Once again, the woman concerned is not liable and should not be held responsible. Quite the contrary, Dr Spiteri: you should support her and defend her, and try to help her overcome this problem!
T Camilleri
Mar 16th 2010, 11:09
Imagination certainly runs wild.
Franco Farrugia
Mar 16th 2010, 10:45
The local council of Attard, together with its members, must be stark raving mad to issue such a directive, and on various counts.
First of all, if they want to control the cat colony, they should embark on a programme of neutering and even adoption within their locality - perhaps they can show how animal-friendly they are and prove that they are educated, well-meaning councillors!
Secondly, with what right does this council-of-sorts send a 'legal letter' to Wenza Micallef? They do not belong to her; she only looks after them, gives them food and cares for them!
Instead of sending legal letters to honest, law-abiding citizens, such as Ms Micallef, the Local Council should embark on a programme of making it difficult for egoistic people of dumping kittens and cats in the garden!
Why should Ms Micallef be held responsible for the cats? So, if I feed a roofless person on the streets, am I taking responsibility for him? This is crazy!
The cats should not be removed - on the contrary, the Local Council of Attard should endeavour to create a large cat village and help people like Micallef to feed the cats without creating unseemly rubbish.
>2
Lawrence Fenech
Mar 16th 2010, 10:41
Cats have the bad habit of going in people's gardens and using them as a toilet and the smell lingers and most annoying.
L. Vella
Mar 16th 2010, 10:35
Gnien Stazzjon?
You mean: Gnien l-Istazzjon
D. Buhagiar
Mar 16th 2010, 10:30
rather avoiding health hazards like rats I would say.....on which scientific basis has the Attard Council has concluded that the cats constitute a health hazard??????
Waiting for an answer from the Attard Council, tnx
Daniela Zammit
Mar 16th 2010, 10:19
I have no bad feelings for cats but be aware that pregnant women are prone to cat faeces as they pose a particular risk of toxoplasmosis. When we take our kids to such places we run this risk so please be considerate to others! If you want to take care of cats take care of them at home not in public places.
Kathleen England
Mar 16th 2010, 10:12
I take my 2 year old son often to this gardan and the cats pose no problem at all. Infact they are very well looked after and the fact that they are all neutered is also important to limit their number and keep them healthy. Animals are very positive for children and i was very dissapointed when a sign by the local council was put up - for no cats to be allowed - i kept wondering if this was legal or not. What is very unhealthy for my child is the pollution due to the building of a very large site next door!
Jon Vercellono
Mar 16th 2010, 10:09
Are the members of the Local Council trained in either health, sanitation, animal welfare, or contamination of the water table; or are they proverbial jacks of all trades? If there are viable threats confirmed by experts, then so be it. Other than that, we don't and probably never will live in Noddy Land, so please quit being frustrated when things don't work out that way.
leonardo vince
Mar 16th 2010, 10:07
The most glaring examples of health hazards I know of, are the local councils!
T Camilleri
Mar 16th 2010, 11:07
You are perfectly correct.
M Vella
Mar 16th 2010, 10:02
Dear Ms Mifsud - you better take care of the filth around the streets of ATTARD! Instead of tormenting the life of MS Micallef and the poor felines! I usually go there and i Never got infections. Is this the typical way of how to help caring people that feed the cats from their own pockets!! Shows that you couldnt be bothered about animal rights! Shame on you ATTARD LOCAL COUNCIL. Kalkara Local Council built little huts for the cats. Instead of helping you just make the lives of people miserable. I am happy with the cats there. I just hope now you dont put rat poison in the garden, like you did some years ago with other cats in another part of ATTARD!