Attard cats: Council never authorised warning letter

V.Grima

Mar 18th 2010, 16:37

I might sound horrible to those who are siad to be 'cat lovers' but unfortunetly people who go out and feed stray animals are not really helping them. Cats have a tendency to create a social enviornment for their kind and stray start to behave as thay are original born undomesticated felines. They are carnivores and their instinct is hunt. Though they live in an urban ambience they still can accomodate their natural behaviour and control pests that dominate the urban areas. Unfortunetly the problem is they are prolific to increase and they tend to unbalance the foodchain, then come man to unbalance it more. Providing food is not giving them something in return, just creating a lazier society, hunting is unnecessary and their is the danger of increasing a bigger population. Cats are born survivors and do not really need our assistence and food preparation to survive a harsh enviornment, they are supposed with their natural instinct to help us in return but as usual man unbalance what is natural. Unfortunetly we think with a human mind when we deal with animals, unfortunetly they have evolved different and have a simpler way to survive.

Marco Spiteri

Mar 18th 2010, 16:01

Mr. Korsten,

That is exactly what we're going to do. That is. try to find the best solution for both cats, cat lovers and residents.

Marco Spiteri

Mar 18th 2010, 15:54

Mr. Tony Scott

Please contact me on mspiteri@mal.com.mt. Tell me about your problem and I promise to look into it immediately.

Lorraine Vella

Mar 18th 2010, 15:05

first of all, a word of appreciation and thanks goes to Wenza, because she is spending time, effort and money on these poor cats. Thanks to her, they feel loved and have something to eat. The other thing: who does the secretary thinks she is, sending such a letter? I believe that the council should sack her because she went out of order... she didn't have any right to send that letter! Shame on this secretary, and let's hope that the LC does the only thing that ought to be done in this solution: sack the secretary! u le leeee

N Abela

Mar 18th 2010, 11:20

prosit @ N Said couldnt be said better!

awarness about dumping pets outside should b a must in schools maybe the next generation will have better morals!

N Said

Mar 18th 2010, 11:05

The first question to be asked here is how did these cats end up there in the first place? This is because humans have no shame and get pets only to bore themselves with them and put them out in the streets!!

Since one of the problems that the Attard LC faces is the dirt generated by the cat food, why doesnt it provide feeding dishes - stainless steel ones so that they wont be an eyesore- and leave them scattered next to the bushes. Also cat houses sould be put around as well to accomodate the cats when its cold. As for the food it can be provided by the residents who are already feeding the cats anyway. This will not cost the LC much and the cats could stay there with the dirt problem solved. Arrangements can be made and get all the cats neutered and have cameras installed to make sure that people who dump their pets there get a fine... this will help contribute to the cost of helping these poor strays!!

Please note that by doing this the LC will be setting an example to kids who play in the area!

Shirley A Brincat

Mar 18th 2010, 10:57

As to all those out there who hate animals, you are ALL A DISGRACE TO THE HUMAN RACE AND WITHOUT A CONSCIOUS ! Us humans are the animals ! God gave us each a mind and it is used only for one thing ..... when it is used !

N Abela

Mar 18th 2010, 10:29

Dear Mr Marco Spiteri

(i have a stray dog which i adopted after i found him in the worst of states! i also feed 4 stray dogs & some stray cats)

i can see that d cats r neutered and therefore the most has been done to help solve the matter by time...now you have to see to the ignorant people who dump unwanted unneutered pets which add up to these cats (and in some areas even dogs) and that is where the true problem is - lack of education & morals in humans! cats dogs etc dont just come from dust..im sure u know that story - now as for the cats..im pretty sure you'd rather have cats around then mice - talking through experience. we neutered the cats in our road where i live in marsascala and now we have mice..lots of them! and i thought that our neighbourhood was mouse free as its clean etc..but i was mistaken (i live on the second floor and still they make their way up)...so as for windows open etc we will see what residents have to say when they find mouse droppings in their house..

Marco Spiteri

Mar 18th 2010, 09:44

Whereas I understand the concern of all does people who love cats and animals (i am one of these as we have 2 dogs which were strays at home), we have to understand that the Local Council also has responsibility towards the residents. It is not an easy decision to make and saying that the situation should remain as is, is not a responsible solution at all. The residents in the area are experiencing damage to their property and having cat dirt/urine all over their yards. They can't even leave windows open in summer. I am sure everyone realises that even residents have a right to complain, not everyone loves having pets at home. It is easy for people who are not being effected by the situation to criticise. I also understand and agree that the legal notice was drastic and in my opinion was unnecessary. In fact this measure has been withdrawn. We just received another complaint regarding the public convenience in the area. This is filthy due to people cleaning cat food containers there. Instead of shaming all of us, we would appreciate having suggestions of how to solve the matter.

Marco Spiteri
Local Councillor - Attard

N Abela

Mar 18th 2010, 08:48

@ ms mary ann whatever

uwejja come on give me a break! im pretty sure it better then having rats and their droppings

N Abela

Mar 18th 2010, 08:45

live and let live for heavens sake!! maaaa what kind of stuck up idiots could complain just cos there r a few cats jahasra..let them live in peace and thank god for ladies like this who take care of them..for all those residents just a note: in my road we had a couple of cats and we neutered them and eventually we had no cats....we got infested by rats!!

D. Calleja

Mar 18th 2010, 07:51

Halluhom bi kwiethom dawn l-4 qtates. mela mhux bizejjed li titfaw il-qtates barra imma triduhom imutu bil-guh????
Well done Ms Micallef, nammirak. you have a big heart.

Christopher Grainger

Mar 18th 2010, 05:29

Look at the dynamic here: These cats are neutered, but people dump unwanted kittens there because they know they will be looked after.
So what is the problem with having your own cat, or the feral cat that has adopted you neutered ?
The alternative is similarly unacceptable : too many creatures end up in the sea in weighted sacks when a little common sense over dogma could prevent unnecessary suffering.

Now consider the plight of the SPCA. They should have a mandate and central funding.

Max Farrugia

Mar 17th 2010, 17:13

@mary ann. You are totally mistaken. The animals are not born to finish up in sanctuaries. Sanctuaries were created to take the animals, if and when they have space which have been abandoned due to the ego of human beings.

Ramona Mifsud

Mar 17th 2010, 16:25

To N. pace Debono - You should be ashamed of yourself saying that cats are a hazard. While don't you look at all those so called 'human beings' killing each other for nothing or just on a petty arguement. Cats are only doing what nature has intended them to do. What do you expect. They are there because SELFISH people first decide to home them then suddenly they decide that they dont want them anymore so best solution .......put them out on the streets. Why dont you think before putting pen to paper. Thank God that good people and animal lovers over-run you by hundreds
To J. Farrugia ; How do you know that the lady is not cleaning after she feeds them?
.

Vania Lamanna

Mar 17th 2010, 11:35

Please dont get rid of the cats!! I walked by the garden last year on a visit home and sat and enjoyed the garden and the cats for a couple of hours. Seeing them happy and well fed and cared for was sheer happiness for me. trust me, as someone who sees extreme cruelty to animals on a daily basis due to my voluntary work at so called shelters and with strays in Naples, seeing this garden with the cats made my day. If only more people were like this woman! everyone complains but no one does their share to make this world any better, we just sit and expect others to do it for us!

Shirley A Brincat

Mar 17th 2010, 11:22

Referring to the Attard stray cats, may I say that the Executive Secretary should be fired, and others should take a lesson from the warm hearted humans, such as all those unknown volunteers who feed and look after all the unfortunate strays on this supposed called catholic island, and look after our strays. How cruel can one be ! There are such a lot of ignorant cold blooded ' humans ' on this blessed island. Shame on all ! Act like real HUMANS who have a mind to think with ... or is it there just as a decoration ?

J Schembri

Mar 17th 2010, 10:53

@ all who grumble against cats.

Talking about the stench that cats make, has anyone ever been on a full bus no 13?? No cats on it, I assure you!

I know a place where there is a bingo session every day in the afternoon and who organises this bingo does not let the ladies use the loo. In fact they use a corner in an alley just in front of this place. In this alley there is a bar which is closed in the afternoon , so they use bar's back door as a loo - despite various complaints by the owner.

Believe me, I learnt the difference between cat poo and human poo. Cats don't use toilet paper!

Two legged beings are worse than the four legged ones, so please leave them be!

Joe Borg

Mar 17th 2010, 10:43

I happen to like elephants, like the domesticated ones in India.

I wonder if I can bring over a herd of elephants and let them loose in my street? I am sure no one will complain about noise, faeces etc.. after all I am an animal lover, so I have a divine right to burden society with my animals without any reprimand!

Attard council secretary should be applauded. Of course those irresponsible people who abandoned their cats in the public garden, or do not live in Attard (and cannot understand the problems caused by animals i Attard) may not agree and may go on shedding crocodile tears for these cats.

Max Farrugia

Mar 17th 2010, 10:10

@Jake Cachia. You have the right to speak for yourself and I have the right to speak for the voiceless. Animals are living creatures and they have the right to live, Are you suggesting that these cats will be put to sleep or what. You have to remember that stary cats are on our roads because of the ego of human beings who abandoned them. Please try to be more human to God's creatures.

L Vella

Mar 17th 2010, 08:55

@ Mary Ann

For your info - sanctuaries are for animals that are abandoned by selfish, irresponsible owners. Sanctuaries are full and it is not easy to take in animals.

Would you live in a cage for the rest of your life? Or be put down as there is no space! I would love to see the reversal of roles, like planet of the apes. I think you wouldnt reason the way you do now. It shows that you are an animal hater!!!!

There is no stench of urine, as i go there regularly! I can just say one thing - do you guys who complained about the cats have anything better in your lives? Why are you bullying and picking on innocent four legged companions!!

I always shared my bed with my cats and dogs - and till now i am still alive and kicking! this mentality is absurd re-animals bringing in disease.

@ s. buttigieg
Thank God - there is no sand pit - there is no health hazard for kids.

Peter Korsten

Mar 17th 2010, 08:22

Now I've been to this garden quite often, and so witnessed how the Attard Local Council replaced the rubber mats underneath the swings and bars by some sort of rough concrete. Or how the bars shaped like a train have loose boards, where a child could easily fall off (onto the rough concrete).

And then they're concerned about a couple of cats how do nothing but sleep on the soil, where no child will come unless it actually climbs over a fence (visible in the photo)? As a health hazard?

What a load of nonsense.

Kenneth Cassar

Mar 17th 2010, 07:51

"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".

Actually, no, Ms Micallef could not be held responsible. The only relevant sentence in the Animal Welfare Act says:

Part IV 8. (3) "Any person who keeps any animal or who agrees to look after an animal shall be responsible for ITS health and welfare".

http://www.mrra.gov.mt/htdocs/docs/laws_chp439.pdf

Nothing more, nothing less.

1. Ms Micallef does not keep the animals. They are strays.
2. Has Ms Micallef "agreed" to look after them? I don't suppose so (if she has, the prosecutor would need evidence). I think she simply feeds them, without any "agreement" to do so.
3. Even so, the law only states that she would be responsible only for the animals' health and welfare (although other laws unrelated to animal welfare might apply).

If there is some other law placing further responsibilities on animal feeders, perhaps Mario Spiteri should let us know.

Tony Borg

Mar 17th 2010, 02:49

@ Charles Grech

I reckon that when the Pope visits Malta he will be given some sort of gift to remind him of the visit. As a cat lover why not present him with a dozen cats? It will remind him of the visit to the Island every single day when he feeds the cats. The cats will then be living in a Holy Garden and who wouldn't want to be fed by His Holyness. I would consider that a great honour to be offered food by the Pope.

mary ann

Mar 16th 2010, 23:44

why is it so difficult to understand that public gardens are for the public and sanctuaries for animals? I visited this garden once and had to leave immediately as I could not stand the stench of cats' urine! This has nothing to do with animal lovers or haters but pure hygene.

C Vella Borda

Mar 16th 2010, 23:42

The cats do not live in the garden. They only make their way there at feeding time when Wenza comes to feed them. Do you really think that in those few minutes even hour or so all 28 of them will get the urge to pee at one go. Don't make me laugh.

Claire Busuttil

Mar 16th 2010, 23:15

Shame on the secretary, and shame, on the people, who complained about the cats.....why no one, ever complain about the amount of syringes, left everywhere on streets, public gardens, bus shelters, beaches..etc etc.....
These cats are harmless!! Leave them live their lives!!!

J.Camilleri

Mar 16th 2010, 22:39

What about the syringes ? Aren't those health hazardous more then any cat? At least a cat will protect the gardens from rats.

George Debono

Mar 16th 2010, 21:48

s buttigieg

I have specialized in parasitology.

RE "Cats per se are not health hazard, its their faeces you need to stay away from".

Well, yes and no.

Typically, the danger from toxoplasmosis is from kittens (and puppies) in a domestic setting.

The only possible danger from toxoplasmosis from faeces otherwise is if the cats relieve themselves in a sand pit where children play…

G

George Debono

Mar 16th 2010, 21:41

Everything that moves has been urinating and emptying its bowels for 150,000,000 years and (apart from the odd parasitic disease) it has not done any harm.

Now - in the space of, give-or-take, 50 years we humans have polluted the planet and it looks like we may destroy much of life on this earth if we continue the way we are spewing out CO2 for our comfort.

And then this fuss about 28 cats

It's a mad mad world. And it would be a much nicer place if we exterminated humans instead.

G

Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi

Mar 16th 2010, 21:40

Nice backtracking Attard Local Council.
How about a village campaign to educate some of the residents of Attard to neuter their pet cats and not to dispose of unwanted kittens by dumping them in the public garden.
We can never have enough kind and responsible citizens that treat animals with the kindness they deserve in Malta.

T Aquilina

Mar 16th 2010, 21:31

The cats are neuteured yet so-called people keep dumping their cats/kittens in this park. Despite all the educational campaigns to promote neutering that would radically reduce the unwanted pet problems, this dumping keeps occuring. It is this unfortunate mentality that is the problem and not this woman, who is just doing her best to counter the selfishness of others.

Stefan Kottmann

Mar 16th 2010, 21:19

Quote: ''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'' Would it not need to be proven that the same cat that this woman is feeding damaged third party property? Maybe it was another cat...

Mario Desira

Mar 16th 2010, 21:16

Another example of condemning those who do good because someone decided cats are a health hazard. For 15 years my live-in cat used to sleep on my bed with me, and while we certainly didn.t eat out of the same plate, we both enjoyed good health. Many can relate similar episodes.

As for the water table, the only animal causing destruction to the water table has only two legs and walks upright.

And again it is the upright two legged animals who are really causing the problems by dumping cats instead of trying to rehome them.

Could perhaps the local council segregate a part of the garden specifically for this colony?
Speaking for myself and I am sure for a good number of others, these cats would be the highlight of my visit to such a garden.

J.Farrugia

Mar 16th 2010, 21:13

I think that instead of wasting time sending legal letters and disussing the possible nuisance that 28 homeless cats create, maybe we should all take a look at the town of Paceville - I can assure you that there are over 28 people a weekend urinating on those streets. ( i doubt that these kiddies have been neutered).
Unfortunately, these humans do not keep away rats, or help to fertilize anything... they do leave a stench of urine, and sometimes vomit, that typically lasts from Friday to Monday. Unlike cats, they do not urinate in soil - they do it wherever....

My point is that to create a big issue out of something that I can hardly believe is worth writing in the paper about, makes me question where everyone's priorities are??? There are so many news-worthy issues to discuss, like the booming and ever-so-populare Paceveille, or perhaps the idea of Malta having a water crisis in 15 years? Or maybe even why the heck are people dumping stray cats in the street anyhow?

-end of thread-

Charles Grech

Mar 16th 2010, 21:03

The Attard Local Council should take the golden opportunity and liase with the Appostolic Nuncio to invite His Holiness Pope Benedict 14th - a cat feeder himself around the vatican - to visit these gardens and Bless these cats and Wenza - during his visit next month. This would make a memorable visit and a first probably in the whole world.
Furthermore, Attard's FIRST FAMILY, none other than that of His Excellency President George Abela rescued and adopted a three legged cat they called BROMBOS.
These acts of commpassion especially by our President of the Republic of Malta should be highly commended and copied by ALL. ATTARD LOCAL COUNCIL PLEASE NOTE.

Emanuel Magrin
Director
Saint Francis Foundation for Animals
www.saintfrancisfoundation.com

s buttigieg

Mar 16th 2010, 21:02

Cats per se are not health hazard, its their faeces you need to stay away from. The bacteria, (called Toxoplasmosis) in them can be harmful to humans especially an unborn fetus. check this out
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/toxoplasmosis-in-cats.html
http://www.womens-health.co.uk/toxo.asp

emanuel magrin

Mar 16th 2010, 20:58

"Our secretary acted upon her own initiative because she had been receiving continuous reports/complaints from residents that the cats were damaging and dirtying private property.
A VERY INEFFICIENT SECRETARY.

Claire Coleiro

Mar 16th 2010, 20:32

How is it possible that in 2010 we still have this mentality towards animals. This lady is just doing an act of charity towards these cats. How can we consider ourselves christians when we treat God's creatures in this way. Its a real shame. All this fuss for 2 trees if ever its true coz of these cats i would like to remind you that all around the island we have lost many palm trees especially in Attard and this was definately not due to cat urine. I think you should apologise to this gentle lady and it would be much more appreciated if Local Council would offer a financial compensation towards her and offer a decent shelter for these loveable cats. Its about time you change your mentality. This is a very old fashioned way of thinking. Local Council should be an example and teach its residents how to live and let live. Dear Secretary, Before jumping to any conclusions you should get your facts right and look deep inside your conscience and wonder if that letter should have ever been sent.

Helen Caruana

Mar 16th 2010, 20:20

Instead of making a protest infront of this woman's house why don't we help her in her expences for taking care of these poor creatures. A few months ago I was passing from infront of this public garden and there was a big dead rat on the pavement thanks to these cats it was dead. I have three at home and we all love them as members of our family. Good work Wenza and I am going to ask where you live not for a protest but to get you cat food. H. Caruana

Anthony Borg

Mar 16th 2010, 20:18

From what the local council executive secretary Marica Mifsud said in the article above, she needs to revise her biology. I am sure she failed her O level in that subject!

T. Orsini

Mar 16th 2010, 20:17

God Bless you Wenza. You are doing a good deed. We need people like you.

w.scicluna

Mar 16th 2010, 20:15

@ J. Farrugia...you wrote-The auhtorities should only put these strays to sleep. that's all. The misdeeds of the people should not fall on innocent shoulders. 1. How would you like being put to sleep? I'm sure with comments like that, a lot of people would be happy to lend a hand. And innocent shoulders? I'm sure these cats have committed no crimes. Meta nisma nies bhalkom, nisthi nighd li jien malti. Ahjar tnehhu ftit mid dwejjaq u tamlu xi haga al gid bhal dik l-mara li bla hsieb ta' spejjes, qeda tiehu hsieb dawn l-holqien ta' Alla! Proset Mrs. Micallef! Mank hawn aktar nies bhalek!

s buttigieg

Mar 16th 2010, 20:12

most of the people who have commented have never been to gnien l-istazzjon. i for one have stopped taking my kid to this garden precisely becuase of the cats. the issue here is not the persecution of cats or a kind hearted woman. a place meant to be enjoyed by humans (mostly kids) has been hijacked by an individual and reduced to a very shabby place. and yes cats do cause harm. so if people like wenza had their way we should populate places like san anton with cats. cats from the neighbourhood do visit my garden and they are a constant nuisance......they destroy garden furniture and trees, leave a stench, dead plants ,lizards and small birds.

anna falzon

Mar 16th 2010, 19:51

Let's face it --- the uprooting of trees and contamination of the water table are idiotic excuses to save face from the protests of animal lovers! And as regards children being subjected to health hazards, i think school children playing in the shadow of a mobile antenna is more serious!.........Ms. Wenza Micallef should be rewarded! She should be assisted in protecting these creatures as all creatures should be! I myself spend 5-7 euros a week to feed the strays in my street! Besides, wouldn't these cats keep down the rodent population in the area which in itself is more unsanitary!...It is up to the councils and/or government to find a place where to give these creatures haven! they should not be treated as broomsticks -- to be brought out when needed (Help! There's a mouse!) and then discarded in the closet when it's done its job!...... @ J FARRUGIA ----- SHAME ON YOU! SHE SHOULD PROTEST AGAINST YOU FOR WHAT YOU'RE SAYING. THEY ARE STRAYS. mS. mICALLEF IS NOT LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM! WHAT YOU ARE SAYING CAN BE TAKEN AS INSTIGATING ANTAGONISM AGAINST HER!

M.Brincat

Mar 16th 2010, 19:23

Min kiteb l-ittra kontra din il-mara m'ghandux x'jaghmel.

D. Mercieca

Mar 16th 2010, 19:09

Sory? who said this funny stuff that cats contaminate the watertable???? True eh.. Our water table is contaminated because of these poor cats.. u halluna....We should teach our children to love animals.. Animals are our best friends...

F Spiteri

Mar 16th 2010, 18:47

joseph galea - you too should get a life ! The sad situation with animals in this world is because of people like you. Shame on you and people passing comments like you just did. Animals, all animals are human's best friend whether they are homed or strays. At least that is the way it is in my side of the world !! If you do not believe in this, then dare i say.

Gianni Xuereb

Mar 16th 2010, 18:38

I had a small cat gently poisoned by my dear neighbour. Watch out for strangers feeding the cats Wenza. Shame on you Attard council and the mess you are building around the Attard station.

yana micallef stafrace

Mar 16th 2010, 18:35

Yes lets bully the good hearted woman who thinks that cats deserve to be well fed and healthy. I have taken my son on numerous occasions to this garden and one of the main reasons has been the beautiful cats. Yes my son plays with them and I consider this to be a learning experience for him. Dirty ! Have seen far dirtier public buildings and people's houses for that matter. For those who object . ...... get a life. I have a cat at home and have just lost another one to two dogs who were left to roam the streets and murdered my 20 year old cat who was happily sitting in my front garden. Lets fight defenceless animals instead of the criminal owners of animals who are not cared for. The dogs attacked my cat. could have been my son.

Joseph Galea

Mar 16th 2010, 18:31

If the health department declares the stray cats a health hazard..... "then Ms Micallef would be held responsible since animal welfare laws stipulated that whoever looked after an animal automatically assumed responsibility." If this is the law, then the law.

Maria A. Borg

Mar 16th 2010, 18:22

While visitors flock to Rome's ancient monuments cats known worldwide as Rome's beloved 300,000 cats, I simply can't see how such a small number of cats could harm the environment or neighbours furniture. These cats at this Attard garden could only but automatically help to keep this garden as an attraction and thus contribute to its daily upkeep by the council itself. Cats are clean animals and deserve the best of attention and care.

Sharon Camilleri

Mar 16th 2010, 18:21

I am pleased to see that the Attard Local Council has withdrawn the legal letter sent to Wenza Micallef. I could not believe what I was reading when I read the article this morning. Since when have cats proved to be a health hazard to children or anyone else for that matter? I think the people of Attard should focus more on issues which have become a real health hazard such as the number of vehicles passing through their village every day and contaminating the air they and their children breath. Cats, like any other animals, bring life to an otherwise dead and boring place!!

Carmel Ellul

Mar 16th 2010, 18:17

I hope that the Attard council members during their Cats or Rats discussion , consider the facts and not opinions. One fact is that cats can be neutered , Rats , first you have to catch them. Cats are by thier nature clean animals, they cover their dirt , unlike Rats and Dogs. Cats during their mating season mark their territory , and no rat will be around . Ever heard of a cat killing a child , unlike some dogs which are kept as pets , or rats which carry some of the worst infectious diseases. My guess is that the persons who are protesting are dog owners , who when having to take thier dogs out to mess around , are bothered by the cats who are definietely not a dogs best friend. How about discussing tagging all dogs and taking legal action against owners of dogs left to roam about so that the owner does not clean the mess, if council doesn't have anything better to do?

M Grecg

Mar 16th 2010, 18:17

I'm left speechless at the hatred being shown to these poor cats. They have been accused of littering, destroying garden furniture, killing birds and insects, uprooting trees, contaminating the water table, and being a hazard to children. Get a life people! You really need to.

L.Grima

Mar 16th 2010, 18:14

Perhaps some people would prefer the presence,or better an infestation of rats as they multiply exponentially around their residences!

clive borg

Mar 16th 2010, 17:54

so you think that the cats are culprits of the dirt.... i guess that if you go in any park in malta youll find much more human dirt rather than cats dirt...

Isabelle Debono

Mar 16th 2010, 17:51

Human beings contaminate the place they live in more than any animal will ever do....

J Farrugia

Mar 16th 2010, 17:48

@ Jake Cachia - did the government or the authorities for that matter bring these cats into the area. It is the responsibility of those who acquired the cats and then let them run off to become strays. That's were you should aim and not at the authorities. The auhtorities should only put these strays to sleep. that's all. The misdeeds of the people should not fall on innocent shoulders.

Max Farrugia

Mar 16th 2010, 17:40

Well done wenza keep on with the good work. Hope that the Attard Council will back you all the way long. If not when the time comes Our Group, International Animal Rescue, and other groups which speaks for the voiceless will remind the residents of the final outcome. Shame on the secretaray who acted from behind the Local Council.

catherine tabone

Mar 16th 2010, 17:28

It is not enough for the Council to withdraw the legal letter sent to Ms Micallef. You need to admit that strays have a right to inhabit a public garden. In the next Council meeting you should (i) take a decision to raise the dividing wall so that the bungalow owner stops complaining about the cats entering his yard; (ii) issue a letter of apology to Ms Micallef and thank her for her hard work, dedication and the money she must spend on feeding them; (iii) ensure that Ms Micallef has adequate facilities in the Garden so that she can continue to look after the cats there efficiently and nobody can complain of lack of cleanliness. There is nothing wrong with the cats peeing and poohing in the soil. The gardener just needs to do his job and turn it over every so often; (iv) take this opportunity to provide a site where our children can enjoy animals at close range and learn to respect and love them.

Franco Davies

Mar 16th 2010, 17:15

Floriana also has a big cat problem and haphazard feeding usually causes a lot of eyesores and dirty left over containers etc. Why not consider what the Floriana council did last year and created three feeding stations with small shelters along side called 'cat cafes' where feeding is restricted only to these designated points. the council then has the right to clear any containers etc where feeding is done anywhere else and if needed fines are implemented. since then the feeders are happy as well as most complainants, and I guess the cats...

F Spiteri

Mar 16th 2010, 17:14

To Dr Cuschieri - thank you for your comment. Coming from a medical doctor maybe some people can get it into their heads that cats are in fact very clean animals and not a hazard to children at all. One particular case in point is a school in Sliema, whose secretary was instructed to stop feeding a stray cat as it is a hazard to the kids. Excuse me, but what a load of crap !!

To N Pace Debono - you on the other hand have no idea what you are saying. You should direct your frustration towards someone else and not animals. You are one of those people who has nothing better to do !

Franco Farrugia

Mar 16th 2010, 16:58

Let us avoid unnecessary and useless arguments and complications - the Attard Local Council could avoid these problems by consultig with people who are experienced with strays and with animal-lovers, both within and outside Attard. On the contrary to what is perceived, the LC could end up the winner in this matter, together with te cats themselves. all it takes is some good will and a little faith in people.

lgalea

Mar 16th 2010, 16:55

Dan minn meta segretarju esekuttiv jaqbad u jaqbez il-kunsill u jaqbad u jaghmel dak li jfettillu/ha?

laurence schembri

Mar 16th 2010, 16:53

Take a good look at the photo and notice how healthy these cats look.

D.Caruana

Mar 16th 2010, 16:49

An article about stray cats contaminating the water table and uprooting trees and J Brownie has to mention lead from shots!! give us all a break will you!!!!!!
I can provide you with plenty of forums where you can complain about shots etc etc if you like. Even oned that do not publish reactions to what you say!!!

Wayne Flask

Mar 16th 2010, 16:46

I sincerely didn't know urine could uproot trees. I guess that's why tigers don't like jungles.

N.pace debono

Mar 16th 2010, 16:45

these cats,no matter how innocent we think they are are the culprits for dirt etc..but mostly for killing everything in their path when it comes to insects, birds etc...this is not their natural habitat so yes if they need to be removed then they would be making a huge favour for all other living things...

f vincenti

Mar 16th 2010, 16:44

Contaminate the water table?! I think that it's the private companies making a killing with ''bottled water'' and soft drinks who are over-pumping our water table that are allowing for contamination of the water table with sea water! What a joke. Leave the cats alone and simply take care of them. There are far worse 'citizens' who litter and dirty our towns and country-side and the atrocious drainage flow into the sea near Xaghjra, as well as the still smoking Maghtab that are more harmful to everyone than a few cats who bring a smile to many peoples faces. Let's hope the local council become the first to adopt a 'take care of our abandoned cats' approach for a happy solution. I would hate to see heartless people poison innocent felines out of ignorance & selfishness.

stefania soler

Mar 16th 2010, 16:42

Just let these poor cats be!!

J brownie

Mar 16th 2010, 16:34

contaminate the water ? - what about the the tons of lead from shots that dissolve slowly in soil ?...... and other syntethic contaminants for that matter, fertilisers, pesticides , oils etc etc

Robert Cuschieri MD

Mar 16th 2010, 16:30

"The council was insisting the animals were removed because of the filth generated by their food and urine, she said.

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"." ----- What a load of rubbish.

Since when are cats dirty? Cats are extremely clean animals and the council should also mention the fact that they keep the place pest free. What would you like, cats or rats? Which of these is the health hazard? As regards trees and urine, then with your expert reasoning, forests and jungles shouldn't exist, because as one knows there full of animals and their urine. Please dear council, before you come out with these statements, get your facts right.

As regards children's health, we have 4 cats at home, we had them when my wife was pregnant and we had them when our children were just born. And they never suffered from any health problems; neither did our vet ever tell us that they will.

Antoine Salafia

Mar 16th 2010, 16:28

I'm supposed to believe that the urine produced by a colony of 28 cats hanging out in a garden can "contaminate the water table"? Is this a potentially new version of the Princess and the Pee?

J Mallia

Mar 16th 2010, 16:26

The urine from 28 cats could "contaminate the water table" ??????
:-)))))
How pathetic !!!!!
.... and urine led to the uprooting of two old trees ????????? i mean, ... are you ok ??

clive borg

Mar 16th 2010, 16:20

let live some cats alone, xi dwejjq ghadkom... ma kollox tridu tigranfaw..

J Farrugia

Mar 16th 2010, 16:11

to all residents who are affected by these strays I say make a protest in front of this lady's home so that she will clean up the mess being left by these strays.

D.Caruana

Mar 16th 2010, 16:11

Contaminate the water table?????????????????