Karl Flores, San Ġwann
Dogs, swimmers don’t always go together (1)
Franco Farrugia was mistaken in his reply to Marianne Pace’s complaint about dogs and children swimming together (August 25). It is not the dog that Ms Pace is against but man’s irresponsible behaviour. Nothing was said against dogs per se by Ms Pace.
Neither is it a valid argument to say that dogs should be left running free at the seaside because there are other things that are equally wrong, such as broken bottles, etc.
Nor should one expect everybody to be comfortable in the presence of dogs. It is not the person’s fault if he or she is afraid of dogs or other animals, for whatever reason, and it does it mean that one is against them either.
Just because Mr Farrugia doesn’t mind swimming with dogs, as I don’t, it does not mean that the activity is enjoyed by all. Dogs should be taken for a swim in out-of-the-way places or in the evening when they don’t present a nuisance to others, besides the owners making sure that no mess is left behind.
Mr Farrugia’s statement that “it is her problem if she doesn’t feel safe next to a dog” betrays lack of care for others.
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Isabella Peresso Fiorentino
Sep 1st 2010, 21:50
Sigh, sigh - what an animal-intolerant nation we are.
Franco Farrugia
Sep 2nd 2010, 08:08
But that's exactly it, isn't it? You have hit the nail exactly on the head: animal-intolerant.
Sylvia Zammit
Sep 1st 2010, 17:19
Ironically enough, the day after Ms.Pace's letter appeared, PBS included an interesting news item from Italy. Italian coastguards are using trained dogs to help swimmers who find themselves in difficulty . I wonder what the reaction would be here if ever such a scheme were adopted? Shock??? Disgust???? What a backward/stupid nation when it comes to animals!
robert micallef
Sep 1st 2010, 16:50
Very good letter and to the point. this "if you don't like it ...its your problem" is a very Maltese thing and displays a lack of courtesy and respect which is very common in Malta everywhere. it is no less different then when you go for a quiet BBQ at night and someone comes with an enormous disco sound system. you have to share the beach with inconsiderate people.
Franco Farrugia
Sep 1st 2010, 17:50
Dear Mr Micallef, I would politely ask you not to stand over me pontificating at me about civil duties. Thank you. What I was saying in my letter was that if Ms Pace does not feel secure with a dog swimming somewhere near her on a large beach, she should pack her things and either go elsewhere or else go to the furthest end of the beach away from the dog, instead of creating a fuss which, according to me, verges on animal-cruelty. So, in your own words, I have a right to stop children and weeping babies from sitting next to me at table in restaurants? or pushchairs in very crowded places? I mean, it is inconsiderate of young mothers to carry these crying things around, why should they bother me? I think it's very inconsiderate, no? Ohhhh, no, I forgot! These crying things are babies, human babies and I don't have a right to grumble and complain about them! Like hell, I wont!
Joe Gauci
Sep 1st 2010, 18:21
Franco Farrugia and why should Ms Pace go to a remote part of the ebach because someone let his dog roam around?
robert micallef
Sep 1st 2010, 18:22
Dear Franco maybe you should get a dog yourself and take it out for a walk. They do get you in a good mood and give you exercise. :) as i think you are spending too much time infront of the computer. please stop writing in favour of considerate dog owners like myself because dog owners or most of them are very considerate while you with your aggressive inconsiderate comments are giving us a bad name. thank you in advance
Franco Farrugia
Sep 2nd 2010, 08:11
@ Joe Gauci: So, why should a dog-owner with his dog be segregated himself? Peaceful co-existence, I say, and if the lady doesn't like it, she should move away from the dog herself, not expect the dog and its owner to move themselves because she has chosen to grace the beach!
@ Robert Micallef - I have no doubt about the benefits of dogs and other animals in general; very salutary. But then, there are those types whom I consider to be 'lost cases' who make out that they are 'considerate dog-owners'. And 'aggressive comments' tend to be veiled, at times. Mine are not.
patrick zammit
Sep 1st 2010, 12:48
As far as I know, it is against the law to keep dogs in public without a leash.
Franco Farrugia
Sep 1st 2010, 11:56
Ms Pace was complaining about the presence of dogs in the water and on the beaches.
I never said that dogs should be left running free at the seaside, or anywhere else. Especially for their own safety.
Dogs should not be limited to swimming in out-of-the-way places or in the evening. How dare Mr Flores suggest such a thing? He shows that he dislikes dogs, and treats animals in a bad way. He certainly shows that he thinks that animals are something inferior to human beings and that they should be moved away from the centre of man's existence, something that I cannot ever accept.
He accuses me about lack of care for others - but I accuse him of lack of consideration for animals in general as well as for those many, many people who feel life is even richer with animals around them.