No wonder there is such a problem with stray amimals in Malta, if we have people who do not understand the first thing about the terrible situation that prevails on the island.

I am referring to the snippet about cats in the On The Dot (August 2). Feeders are not the ones who put the cats and kittens in any area. These are there looking for food, as their irresponsible owners did not have the courage, or took the trouble, to have them neutered.

It seems amazing that this article appeared after the week-end, when, in the same newspaper the SPCA said they were fullup, with about 80 kittens and a number of puppies. The sanctuaries are not functioning as they should, and this through no fault of the many helpers and volunteers helping there. It is because of lack of space, funds and the irresponsible cat owners who instead of neutering their pet, dump the kittens at these sanctuaries.

The courage the feeders have is not to do with taking these poor animals to the sanctuaries, but turning up day after day in the area to feed these cats, who through the help of the animal charity shops are also getting neutered.

The courage is not lacking either when the feeder takes the trouble to catch a sick or injured stray cat knowing it will have to be put to sleep. People could help out more by donating any unwanted or surplus things to these shops found in Qawra (SASG) and St Paul’s Bay (Paws Malta).

Feeders also have to find the courage and take the trouble to catch the cats and take them to be neutered. If the person who wrote the snippet could trouble himself to find the time to help out in these organisations, then he/she will see what kind of courage it takes to care for these defenceless animals, which people sometimes treat like toys or worse.