Dog micro-chipping to become compulsory
Dog owners are to be obliged to micro-chip their dogs under new regulations to be issued this week.
Micro-chipping will last a lifetime and will cost €10 for neutered dogs and €20 if they are not neutered.
Resources Minister George Pullicino said micro-chipping will replace the previous requirement for dog owners to register the dogs at the police station.
This practise cost dog owners some €23 over the average dog’s life-span of 10 years. So, effectively, the new system will be cheaper than current practise, Mr Pullicino pointed out.
Dogs which are already micro-chipped will have to be registered with their vet so as to be included in the National Livestock Database.
It is thought that there are about 100,000 dogs in Malta, of which only 5,000 are registered. Mr Pullicino said this was leading to a problem of strays which was not only unfair on the dogs but was also a public health problem.
There had been several instances last year when the Animal Welfare Department were called because strays were forming packs and being aggressive towards domestic dogs, he said.
The minister said that a microchip was no bigger than a grain of rice and it was injected between the shoulders.
People found walking unchipped dogs will be fined €300 and strays found unchipped will be taken to shelters.
Eventually, the system will also be introduced for cats.
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John Meli
Aug 24th 2011, 15:49
We are being informed that four dogs had died in Malta after they had been micro-chipped - We are not sure if this information is correct or not, but if anyone knows of any dog deaths due to this, do tell us of these owners to contact us, so that we can advise him further on the matter.....
As regarding Microchips and micro-chipping this was reported by [J.Butler] on 16th February, 2009 titled “Should I Microchip My Dog?” because a long haired Chihuahua hemorrhaged to death in California, USA in 2009, after the implantation of a microchip. Pressure bandages did not stop the bleeding and with no major blood vessels in that area and the absence of a congenital clotting problem came up, the bleeding remained a mystery.
Other dangers through misplacement of a chip in a struggling animal causing death or paralysis, and chips migrating within the pet’s body causing abscesses and infection. Cancer has also been linked to microchip use when several cases of dogs developing tumors around or near the implant have been reported in USA and other European countries. Furthermore we will post further data on the Malta Network Resources, so for more information and assistance do write.
S Galea
Mar 16th 2011, 23:28
Whats next?
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=98077&page=1
http://www.rense.com/general20/666.htm
http://www.greaterthings.com/News/Chip_Implants/
N Carbone
Mar 12th 2011, 02:52
I picked my dog off the street as a puppy 11 years ago and, thank God, he is still healthy. If the normal lifespan of a dog is 10 years, is my dog exonerated from the microchip? Also, he never soils the streets or pavements because he has been trained to use the litter tray and that is what seems natural to him. He is also kept safely at home and only goes out on a leash with me, for the simple reason that he is not street-wise and would end up under a car.
I don't think the microchip will help curb the soiling of pavements. Many dogs wander the streets on their own and then return home when they please. Unless there will be a warden who will see the dog in the act, manage to catch him and check for a microchip, this will not work. Personally, I very much doubt whether this will happen especially if it happens to be one of the rather portly wardens.
I like the idea of a microchip but only to help in returning the dog if lost.
Charmaine Pace
Mar 11th 2011, 13:43
This is definitely a new way for the state to collect monies... nothing more!!!!
The State should legally bind pet owners to:
(a) Pay the charges involved to the state and
(b) Let the pet owner decide whether or not to microchip THEIR PET.
I am totally against ANIMAL CRUELTY and am willing to pay just the same (and contribute to the new money collection scheme) and not microchip my dog!
For the sake of those who seem to mix this issue with strays that do leave their disgusting dirt in-front of their doors or in their streets; please note that this new legislation will only aggravate your situation as certain uneducated dog owners who does not treat pets like members of our families, will just throw them out... back in your streets to leave their disgusting dirt around.
So, please why won't all of us brainstorm and come up with another way of collecting money for the state and let pet owners decided for themselves whether or not to microchip their lovable pets!!!!!
John Meli
Aug 24th 2011, 15:55
@Charmaine Pace::: Please go on this site http://www.maltanetworkresources.com/2011/malta/safe-to-microchip-animals/#more-30249 and then read about Micro-Chipping' dangers. If you against this, give your details on this site to inform you about the petition and where to sign it.
A.Grima
Mar 11th 2011, 11:15
My dog is thirteen years old and so far she has never gone missing, this is because I never allow her to run around outside and she is always on a leash when I take her out for a stroll. I do understand that some dogs may get lost when they accidentally manage to run away. I am very alarmed to read the comments here about cancer. I have also five cats, one recently died of cancer although he was only two years old and it was a very awful experience. I keep my cats and dog indoors or a secure yard I don't see why I have to microchip them all, besides, we're in tiny Malta and not a big country like England, pets are easier to find here if they get lost. If people are concerned about the dog population, education should be started at an early age, teaching children to be responsible for their pets and the importance of neutering. All my pets are neutered...even the strays that I feed outside my house.
K.Dimech
Mar 11th 2011, 07:26
No one is forcing dog owners to keep pets. These people want their pets but want to have nothing to do with the disgusting dirt they distribute all over. Good one for the government. It should have the courage to cull all those non chipped animals found roaming the streets. After all that is what happens with unregistered goats, sheep or pigs. Clean people who love hygene do not want this mess in the streets.
maria muscat
Mar 11th 2011, 15:11
I will correct your statement in small bites so you understand it and not in the full rant which i feel like unleashing
1) you are correct no one is focring us to keep pets but we have learnt the value of keeping them
2) Not all dog owners are irresponsibe however I'am curious to know how you would describe the efficeny of a microchip in reducing 'dirt' .... please enlighten me
3) It does not take courage to cull healthy animals it takes cowardice, and this practice would cause national uproar
4) the reason why this practice applies to 'LIvestock' is because these animals could evidently end up in our food chain however (in spite of the fact that the gov intends to register them on the livestock database system) they are domestic animals.
5) and finally I'am the proud owner of 1 dog and 6 cats and this in no way affects my personal hygiene
joe micallef
Mar 11th 2011, 00:53
It's a about time that dogs and cats be micro-chiped so hope fully those people who don't care for there pets when ever they fed up with them they chuck them out in the street will be cought and hopefully be given a big fine because animals have feelings too I hope that every house be checked if they have a dog or a cat and checked if they are micro-chiped so all this abuse for these beutiful animals will stop hopefully although some people are sadistic and sick it does't matter what the goverment do.
Lucienne Rosso
Aug 18th 2011, 23:36
Well said Mr. Micallef, I agree 100%. One of the main reason why pets should be micro-chipped and also for lost pets, if found, will be rightfully returned to the owner.
GiovDeMartino
Mar 10th 2011, 18:25
Mela fis-70/80 ijiet fhiex konna? Superintendent state?
J.Scicluna
Mar 10th 2011, 17:46
'Eventually, the system will also be introduced for cats.'
I refer the reader to National Geographic magazine March 2011 or NGM.com. Cats unlike dogs and other tame animals were not domesticated by mankind. They chose to move in because of the increased number of rodent pests which lived close to the humans' agricultural settlements in the middle East. They became domesticated about 10,000 years ago. As such, I prefer stray cats to free roaming rats and mice (unless these too can be micro-chipped!) Having said that, I think cats make affectionate pets too and should be protected. Thousands of years ago, the Egyptians even had a cat godess and mummified their pet cats too.
Personally, I can't imagine life without these independent and smart feline friends. Please consider that they are controlling mice populations in villages and towns, playing a significant but silent role in protecting us from disease spread by rodent pests, before you collect the strays.
A. Micallef
Mar 10th 2011, 17:16
The government should impose a HEAVY ECO TAX on dogs food to finacne
the cleaning of the dogs litter allover the streets and behind peoples doors.
MIN IHAMMEG IHALLAS. MIN IDEJJAQ IN-NIES BIL-KLIEB TIEGHU, ALLURA
GHANDHU JIEHU DAK LI HAQQU !! Min jippretendi li ghandhu xi dritt li jmur
wara bieb haddiehor u jhammeg bil-kelb tieghu, allura ghandhu jistenna kull
tip ta reazjoni u mbghad addio animals rights.
Isabella Peresso Fiorentino
Mar 10th 2011, 20:16
How funny, Mr Micallef.
A. Micallef
Mar 11th 2011, 07:24
Ms. Isabella Peresso etc. etc. - If you think that it is fun to go daily behind
peoples doors and foul with dogs litter on their doorstep or on their
pavement, I think you better change your minds because this is not
acceptable anymore. If you think that you have a right to insult people this
way, be prepared to for any kind of negative and dangerous reaction.
The constant barking of dogs and the dogs litter behind peoples doors
has become a nuisance to many people and SHOULD BE STOPPED
otherwise the sufferers will find a way to stop it. I do not carry long
funny surnames to impress BUT I HAVE A RIGHT to defend myself when
the authorities fail to defend me.
Joanne Farrugia Ciantar
Mar 11th 2011, 10:33
Dear Mr/Ms Micallef
what would you say if your food in increased by an eco tax or if we tax people with your mentality against animals. Those who leave their dogs' mess in the street/pavement or doorsteps must be fined, that I agree but to limit anyone having pets because you introduce an eco tax for it, that would be making animals pay for something that is natural to them as it is natural to anyone..........using the bathroom!!!!
I own pets and never take them out to litter the street, I just use petpads so they soil on the nappy. Should I also be burdened with the eco tax you would like to introduce!!! Come on ...... Missna ndahhlu taxxa ghal xi lsien hazin mela!!!!!! and by the way, I own more than one dog and they were all microchipped by the age of 12 weeks!!!!
Isabella Peresso Fiorentino
Mar 12th 2011, 17:11
My, my, so now we get all touchy and offensive eh? If my surname sounds funny to you, then so do your silly comments sound to me. These useless attacks of yours on other people will not get you anywhere Mr Micallef. I too get upset when I walk on the pavement and accidentally step on someone's chewing gum, or someone's disgusting bila, or inhale dangerous fumes from cars, but I don't go insulting and offending people.
John Meli
Aug 24th 2011, 16:04
I do agree with Isabella Peresso Fiorentino, but I wish to inform you all that regarding Microchips and micro-chipping this was reported by [J.Butler] on 16th February, 2009 titled “Should I Microchip My Dog?” because a long haired Chihuahua hemorrhaged to death in California, USA in 2009, after the implantation of a microchip. It is being stated that even in Malta dogs died after being micro-chipped, but cannot confirm this as yet, so good to hear if this is correct or not ?
Pressure bandages did not stop the bleeding and with no major blood vessels in that area and the absence of a congenital clotting problem came up, the bleeding remained a mystery.
Other dangers through misplacement of a chip in a struggling animal causing death or paralysis, and chips migrating within the pet’s body causing abscesses and infection. Cancer has also been linked to microchip use when several cases of dogs developing tumors around or near the implant have been reported in USA and other European countries. Further information will be posted, but on the one can see some of these reports.
Owners of dogs that are against dog micro-chipping may contact by e-mail the Malta Network Resources for more information and how to assistance in taking part in a petition being issued soon this month...
Charles Grixti
Mar 10th 2011, 14:01
There is NO good reason to microchip dogs (and cats) unless they are to travel abroad. Also, it is a well know medical fact that microchips increase the risk of the pet developing cancer, the chip is foreign body and is a site of inflammation. Talking about pushing the Corporate agenda - the merger of big Government with big Business (the true definition of a fascist State). Companies that manufacture these microchips are set to rake in millions if this becomes EU law. And you know that the next in line is us, the people. For now we have the microchip in our passports, but how long before this moves into our own skins?
Write to your MP's and request that this invasive law is NEVER passed. It is shameful how our present Government has taken to these technologies of 'control' to heart so eagerly. Time to wake up people and say NO to the Police State.
N.Arpa
Mar 10th 2011, 15:29
Are your comments founded? Are you a Vet? I have recently micro-chipped my dogs, and from my research it resulted that; "RFID chips are used in animal research, and tumors at the site of implantation have been reported in laboratory mice and rats.Noted veterinary associations responded with continued support for the procedure as reasonably safe for cats and dogs, pointing to rates of serious complications on the order of one in a million in the U.K., which has a system for tracking such adverse reactions and has chipped over 3.7 million pet dogs. A recent study found no safety concerns for microchipped animals with RFID chips undergoing MRI at one Tesla."
Frans Sammut
Mar 10th 2011, 16:00
Needless to say I will micro-chip my dog if the law so demands. But if she develops cancer, I will hound (pardon the pun) those responsible with dogged (pardon this pun too) devotion. Pleasantries apart, the Resources Minister has just managed to put another nail in his Government's coffin.
Austen Lennon
Mar 10th 2011, 16:38
I run a lost and found pet site in Malta and the number of lost, stolen or found dogs would be dramatically reduced by chipping. Have a look at the number of stray dogs suffering in the streets and I suspect that many of them have been dumped by their owners or lost by their owners and not found.
What a heartless thing to try to stop the suffering of these animals. I suggest you go onto the Lost and Found pet site and see how many 100's of dogs and cats that are missing. The Mr Charles Grixti goes onto to suggest that 'we' humans' are next....
GiovDeMartino
Mar 10th 2011, 18:11
What did YOU say? A police state because the govt decided to micro chip dogs? Do you know what you ARE SAYING? Where were you in the 70's and 80's? Police state!!!!!!!!!!! X'ma thabbatx rasek mal-hajt!
Charles Grixti
Mar 11th 2011, 05:12
@N. Arpa
My comments are very well founded - the safety ‘studies’ of the micro-chip are carried out by the manufacturing companies themselves and presented to Regulatory Institutions for approval and rubber stamping. That is to say, there are no independent or Government agencies that have no vested interests to tests such things as micro-chips embedded into living flesh, in the same way that many drugs are approved only upon studies carried out by the same pharma companies that manufacture them. A case in point is the approval of Aspartame for human consumption, despite the fact that the manufacturer knew about many adverse reactions to this artificial sweetener. This also happenes with new prescription drugs and vaccines, where the pharmaceutical companies carry out a financial exercise to calculate how much money they can make before the drug is recalled (and taking into account lawsuits etc) they usually still come on top with huge profits. So please be very suspicious and wary of these so-called 'studies'.
I am not a Vet myself but my own Vet confirmed that there is a chance of cancer involved with micro-chipping and it is much larger then the 'official' rates being banded about.
Charles Grixti
Mar 11th 2011, 05:28
@GovDeMartino and Austen Lennon
The Police State is a reality now more then it ever was in the 70's or 80's. Big Brother is watching you, reading your emails, can pinpoint your postition precisely by satellite.
With a micro-chip you will be bar-coded like a supermarket item. The mico-chip will include your whole family, financial and medical history as well as other information such as criminal records and political leanings. This plan is being implemented in gradual stages as not to alarm, but the plan is to micro-chip the entire population and even do away with money, as it is planned that salaries/pensions will be loaded into your micro-chip and can be ‘emptied’ or withheld at any time if you step out of the official line, effectively starving you to death.
Please watch video interviews by the late Hollywood film director Aaron Russo which can be found below and on other web sites such as Youtube and Google Video:
http://socioecohistory.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/aaron-russo-on-rfid-microchip-new-world-order-world-government-by-banksters-666/
Gordon Grech
Mar 10th 2011, 10:58
I have 3 Cocers and both are Registered. I have some questions.
1 Why the fees are 20 and 10 Euros?
2 Why there are different fees?
3 Is this an other way to collect money?
4 Was a study done in order to know how many perople are going to do this or abandon their dog?
5 Should the vet be given extra money for his work?
I hope to have answers to my questions.
C Grech
Mar 10th 2011, 08:35
Politicians should microchip us so they will know our movements, whereabouts and perhaps what we are thinking or perceiving. During election time it would save them the last minute 'save your country' call and gatherings around polling booth corners.
A discounted for the neutered is unlikely in this case.
scerri J
Mar 10th 2011, 08:02
Min Ihammeg ihallas
Lets go one step further...How about all the private owned pigeons on roofs flying around pooing on cars , ruining clothes hung to dry ...hundreds of them ...hovering in circles ..overhead....bombarding private cars ruining the paintwork .
Frustrated residents would resort to killing these pests........i dont blame them at all.
PS Zammit
Mar 10th 2011, 11:38
Prosit, ghandek ragun imma il-ministru haseb biss biex jippenalizza lil min flok tefghu barra il-kelb qed jiehu hsiebu. Issa tara kif jizdiedu il-klieb barra flok jonqsu. Hallina Pullicin!
ghall-inqas imissu bil-flus li jigbor jghin u jzid is-santwarji tal-klieb flok ihallihom ifendu ghal rashom bil-hope li jircievu xi haga minn xi benefattur. Dan kollu semplicement skuza biex idahhal taxxa ohra ma li ghandna diga. Jekk ried jaqbad lil min qed jaghmel hazin missu impjega nies iduru ma postijiet maghrufa u lil min ma jarawhx jigbor il-hmieg minn wara il-kelb tieghu iwahhluilu ta vera. Mela dejjem jehel kulhadd? Tieghi mhuwiex neutered u qatt ma hallejnih jigri barra jew ma klieb ohra. Ghaliex ghandi ihallas 10 euro aktar meta qatt ma ghamilt l-ebda tip ta hsara? U tahsbu li il-vet se jahdimlek b'xejn? L-iktar issa li issir ta bilfors. Ibqa cert li il-prezzijiet left right and centre se jaghmluhom.
Ahjar jaqbad maz-zwiemel li jgiddmulek it-tires tal-karozza kuljum u ma dawn il-hamiem. Qas tista tipparkja karozza. U il-qtates xi nghidu ghalihom, ihallulek xi OXO fuq il-bonit bhal ma sibt jien.
Schembri Ray
Mar 10th 2011, 07:49
Easy money for profesionals. Making profit from pets is absurd and unjust. How can I explain my 77 year old mother that she have to pay to keep her pet?
Sarah De Cesare
Mar 10th 2011, 11:30
As she is a pensioner, she qualifies for the Dogs Trust scheme to have her pet neutered and microchipped for free through the charity's resources. In cases where the person is unable to transport the dog and lacks help from family/friends to do so, the charity will offer to help in transporting the pet to the vet and back.
The charity can be contacted on 777 111 00 / 79 79 0333.
M.Scicluna
Mar 10th 2011, 07:48
U zgur li naqbel li jkun hawn kontrol u fl istess hin jonqsu il klieb abbandunati u perikoluzi ghal publiku. Pero din ghanda issir b`xejn halli ma jkunx hemm skuzi ta xejn ghax il poplu ga fgat bit taxxi.
James Schembri
Mar 10th 2011, 07:46
Nibqaw nivvutaw ir-regim tal-PN bhac-cw....... qas pets ma jista jkollok tkun kemm tkun responsabbli.
P.S Zammit
Mar 10th 2011, 11:50
x'jonqsu jintaxxa issa? l-arja li niehdu? Dalwaqt jaghmel taxxa fuq kemm il-bicca hwejjeg nonxru fuq il-bejt bi skuza li qed nahlu l-arja ta barra.
Jekk irid inaqqas il-klieb jigru barra bla sid imissu l-ewwel nies jaqbad kemxa flus u flok jaghmlu xi skoss lussu biha, imur itiha lis-santwarji ha jkabbru u jkunu jistghu jilqaw aktar klieb. Plus hekk imissu ghall-inqas jara x'jista jaghmel biex jghinhom jitimaw lil klieb ukoll u il-bzonnijiet taghhom kollha. Din hija kwistjoni ta give and take. Imissu johrog incentive biex min irid kelb imur is-santwarju l-ewwel mhux kulhadd mohhu fil-breeding bl-addocc u puppies l'hawn u lhemm l-aqwa li naghmlu il-flus.
Ahjar jara x'se jaghmel kontra dawk li kelba jehilbuha bil-puppies basta jaghmlu il-flus imbaghad meta ma tibqax tajba jitfawha il-barra. Dan imissu jara il-ministru mela dejjem jaraw kif se jbattlu il-bwiet tan-nies biss.
H. Meilak
Mar 11th 2011, 11:23
Fid-dinja civilizzata bilfors trid tirregistrah il-pet. Din mhix kwistjoni ta' Regime u mhux Regime. Jekk mhux microchip xorta suppost ir-registrajtu id-doggy.
Brigid Garroni
Mar 10th 2011, 07:30
FINALLY!
Charmaine Marmara'
Mar 10th 2011, 07:22
why doesnt anyone micro chip well known to the police drug dealers and child molesters ???
Miriam Williams
Mar 9th 2011, 23:46
Microchipping will only reduce the number of abondoned dogs if ALL dogs are microchipped.Irresponsible owners who do not clean up after their dogs and who let their dogs roam and form packs are likely to avoid microchipping their dogs.
Furthermore, neutering should go hand in hand with microchipping,it's no use microchipping a dog who then goes on to produce a litter of unchipped pups which end up on the streets.
Indiscriminate selling of puppies from petshops and markets must end.All breeders should be registered and the number of litters per year controlled, with all puppies being microchipped before being sold, although with so many dogs begging for a home in sanctuaries, I am against selling animals as if they were a commodity. In my opinion potential pet owners should prove they have the ability to look after it, as happens when a human is adopted. That does not mean condemning a dog to a life on a roof or in a dark garage to avoid having to microchip it.
As for cats, good luck to the warden who will have to crawl under a car with a microchip reader to check out if a cat is a stray:)!
alxuereb
Mar 9th 2011, 22:37
Micro-chipping will last a lifetime and will cost €10 for neutered dogs and €20 if they are not neutered...why the discrimination? Will this procedure be some sort of 'income' for the newly opened animal centre in Ta Qali? Or can any vet do it? Or is this another new tax?
Joseph MELI
Mar 9th 2011, 22:31
Late last year, Albrecht unearthed at the Harvard medical library three studies noting cancerous tumors in some chipped mice and rats, plus a reference in another study to a chipped dog with a tumor. She forwarded them to the AP, which subsequently found three additional mice studies with similar findings, plus another report of a chipped dog with a tumor.
Asked if it had taken these studies into account, the FDA said VeriChip documents were being kept confidential to protect trade secrets. After AP filed a FOIA request, the FDA made available for a phone interview Anthony Watson, who was in charge of the VeriChip approval process.
So would you risk your pet friendly dog to risk his life and what studies had been effected by our Authorities or Vat in Malta and Gozo....Are their any reports of such studies or their is some interest or commission involved ? Who is giving us the guarantee that it is safe on animals (dogs and cats too?)
ONE NEEDS TO READ THE FULL REPORT - G0 @ SITE
http://www.maltanetworkresources.com/2011/malta/safe-to-microchip-animals/
gerrard magri
Mar 9th 2011, 20:50
Tajjeb mela jien gbart kelb mit triq disa snin ilu rabbejtu u ikkurajtu u issa li ma nafx kemm baqalu hajja dal gvern qed jghidli biex inhallas 23 ewro ghal kelb li probabli jghix 10 snin kif qal il ministru stess. Nafu x'ahna naghmlu jew?
M Psaila
Mar 10th 2011, 09:56
forsi jghamlu karta tax-xjuh ghal klieb ukoll u jkollok discount :)
C.Gafa
Mar 9th 2011, 20:20
I cannot say I do not agree with microchipping. It is a way to control the abandoning of dogs. But,this has to be taken seriously,and enforcement is a must!!!! It is useless having dogs microchipped,and nobody to enforce.
Also I do hope that this is not a way to 'get rid' of strays. The article says dogs that are found in the streets and not microchipped will be taken to sanctuaries!!!May I ask which sanctuaries???? All of them are exhausted,and are full!!!!!!!! This is a loop hole!!!!! Also,what has microchipping got to do,to avoid packs???? Packs are only there when a dog is on heat...and that is solved with neutering.
Also sandfly and rabies is mentioned.....what is this?????? As far as I know rabies does not excist in Malta. And sandfly??????? Are we trying to scare all those non animal lovers???? Come on,sandfly can be under control. It is so nice to hear young vets talk about sandfly and helping owners to understand this condition.Will some people never learn????
Joseph Attard
Mar 9th 2011, 19:38
X fadal namghlulu micro chip.........mela 100, 000 kelb x Euro 10 = E 1 miljun ghaz..........
Ara vera ma fadalx ta! uMin se jaghmilha din....se jkun f'dominant position jew! Bhalissa hawn 5000 kelb registrati.. Ara insomma ma fadalx fiex nhlu hin.......mela il klieb se nenforzaw li jigu registrati u micro chipped...u tant hawn direttivi li m hawn l-ebda infurzar fuqhom! Tal Misthija! Komplu ghaffgu!
R. Azzopardi
Mar 10th 2011, 08:23
Kemm tiflah tara sal-ponta ta imniehrek? Ilbierah stess kelli argument jahraq ma habib tieghi li jahsibha bhalek? Ftit ilu intilifli l-kelb li ghandu l-microchip (ghamiltu minn jeddi ghax m'ghandi bzonn lill-ebda awtorita tghidli x'ghandi naghmel). Xi proxxmu sabu, hadu fejn kellu jiehdu, ghamlulu scan u ftit minuti wara, cempluli u mort ghalih. Kieku kont insaffar mhux insibu.
P.S Zammit
Mar 10th 2011, 11:56
Sur R. Azzopardi, ftit ilu jien ukoll intilifli il-kelb u xorta sabuh u cempluli. Mal-kullar ghandu plate b'ismu u fuq wara fih l-indirizz u telephone number tieghi. Infatti wara tlett sighat sabuh u cempluli. L-unika problema mhux il-micro chip imma kemm hawn irwieh tajba go dan il-pajjiz.
R. Azzopardi
Mar 10th 2011, 12:13
Tieghi ukoll kellu l-kullar bil-plate b'ismu u telephone number. Meta instab, il-plate kienet tqacctet u intilfet.
Stephanie theuma
Mar 9th 2011, 19:12
So there's a discount for neutered dogs from euro 20 to euro 10, half the price. What about giving a discount to those who have more then one dog? I don t think that there are that many neutered dogs but I m sure there people having more then one dog, or are we encouraging them throw them out?
Peter Korsten
Mar 9th 2011, 21:54
If you can afford the dog food and vet bills for several dogs, you can afford a single chip of €23 over the lifetime of the dog. Honestly, this obsession with getting discounts and subsidies for everything... I mean, how much do all these dogs cost you every week? How does that measure against a one-off chip?
M.Vella Bardon
Mar 9th 2011, 22:12
I cannot agree more. In fact, it was on more than one occasion that I recommended that there should be a discounted fee for additional dogs registered with the same owner.
Especially so when one considers that microchips ordered in such large quantities cost less than ONE Euro!
isabelle borg
Mar 10th 2011, 16:38
Why don't you pay it for Ms.Theuma then Mr.Korsten?!
there are people who home and feed strays and therefore end up with more than one dog. Instead of being helped they are being given another bill.
Peter Korsten
Mar 10th 2011, 23:08
Why in heaven's name would I pay for someone else's dog? We've got two cats: one we found as a kitten in the engine of the car 10 years ago, and the other one we got from the SPCA last summer. That's quite enough, especially since the SPCA cat has caused far more damage than we paid for the little monster.
Simon L
Mar 9th 2011, 19:11
Having a dog micro-chipped is by all means safer for both dog and owner, however if a pet is allergic to micro-chip this law should allow for such cases and not impose fines! Other than that its only Eur10 so I don't know what the fuss on the 'expense' is all about...period.
Jackie Vella
Mar 9th 2011, 19:03
Whilst I agree with microchipping and my dog is already microchipped just to have a better chance of finding it just in case she ever runs away, we must not be too short sighted. Has it occured to the readers that people who dont want to pay this small fee will abandon their dogs before the legislation is entered into force. Moreover could it be that this legislation will lead to further animal cruelty? Instead of abandoning a dog it is brutally killed or a wise guy will try to take out the microchip himself not to be caught?!?!?
Isabella Peresso Fiorentino
Mar 10th 2011, 20:20
These are my thought s too Ms Vella.
A. Fernandez
Mar 9th 2011, 18:56
Instead of putting dogs' health at risk by implanting chips(which the chip producers stand to make a lot of money from), the better solution would be a tattoo in their ears - safer for the dogs and more environmentally friendly.
R. mifsud
Mar 9th 2011, 18:21
Well done for this new thing. Now 'people' have to think twice about abondoning their dogs
Joe borg
Mar 9th 2011, 18:15
Hope this new Law will also apply for Attard. Certain streets in Attard are full of dog excrement (despite notices) and dogs are heard barking on roof tops all day long (sometimes night time too).
Lets see if George Pullicino does what he says.
Rosalind Agius
Mar 9th 2011, 18:11
At last, I am breathing with relief. Thank you animal welfare for pushing microchipping to become a law.
Microchipping is the best way forward. A microchipped dog is much less likely to become an abandoned dog as the owners will think twice before throwing him in the streets. A lost pet can be traced back to his owner.
Very well done. Really great news.
JJM Vella
Mar 9th 2011, 18:38
What scares me about this is that some 'owners' might actually 'operate' dogs personally to fish out the dreaded chip and throw them on the road bleeding... so sad and scary to think this but I cannot help it....
E. Azzopardi
Mar 9th 2011, 17:39
It is also the law and regulation that dog owners must clean after their dog. There are many notices that state" It's the law. Clean after your dog". But is it enforced? Definitely not. These selfish and stupid human beings do not care if their dogs dirty the pavements and streets. Wardens are simply absent here. But they guard those cranes so well as if they might be stolen!!
So let us not kid ourselves. It is not going to work like many other things in this country.
JJM Vella
Mar 9th 2011, 17:36
BRILLIANT NEWS!
Considering one of my dogs risked dying because some dog left to roam the roads on its own without any collar/leash jumped into my garden and hurt her!
Spent EUR 400 at VET to get her back on its paws... the dear friend... thanks be to God she survived! I bless every penny spent on her! NO amount of money would have replaced her had she died!!!!!!
Steve Sant
Mar 9th 2011, 17:13
And there is a study at the moment that might come to the conclusion that the microchips are the cause of tumors in dogs and cats. Maybe thats one way of ridding the island from all these stray cats. Is that the plan?
C Cassar
Mar 9th 2011, 17:22
Where is a link to that please? Also, a study doen't mean that there is a problem,just a theory. Meanwhile, it is fact that dog excrement can cause blindness in people, particularly young children who are at risk coming into contact with the mess. Dog excrement can also contain E-coli and Toxocariasis (which caused blindness in a child in the UK):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A3116684
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/515671.stm
So, time to educate yourself on this subject.
Steve Sant
Mar 9th 2011, 17:41
Google it, and by the way you proved me right.
A. Fernandez
Mar 9th 2011, 18:53
@ C. Cassar: It's not just a theory. Tumours have actually grown around microchips implanted into lab rats(could have been mice...).
Anthony Formosa
Mar 9th 2011, 16:56
I hardly see any benefit for dogs and owners.
1) What if the owner for health reason decides to remove the pet?
2) What if the dog escapes his owner?
3) What if you have more than one dog?
4) what if the costs incurred costs more than the puppies?
Sometimes I think that this is more of a tax than to solve anything else. So soon humans will be also micro chipped.
C Cassar
Mar 9th 2011, 17:33
1) What if the owner for health reason decides to remove the pet?
The new owner details are transfered to the current 'chip' record of the dog. Basically, the dog gets reregistered within, say 4 weeks otherwise a fine is issued. Simple.
2) What if the dog escapes his owner?
The dog's chip is scanned (if found as a stray after escaping) and returned to its owner. A big advantage to the owner by getting his dog chpped in the 1st place.
3) What if you have more than one dog?
You get each dog chipped. The cost is all part of being socially responsible. For less than €3 per year per dog it's a non-issue. So if you have 3 dogs it costs you €9, big deal.
4) what if the costs incurred costs more than the puppies?
eh? It's only €3 per year per dog. If you can't afford that then you can't afford to keep a dog. How much do you spend in dog food each year?
I. Camilleri
Mar 10th 2011, 13:00
@ C Cassar,
How wise…. Can you say inflation ? just because something starts at a certain price doesn’t mean it will remain as such! Just look at the history of this country. Plus, its “€9” over and above.
(as soon as authority start seeing this as a viable source of income, prices will rocket as always)
Maria Azzopardi
Mar 9th 2011, 16:21
humans will be next...
C Cassar
Mar 9th 2011, 18:03
Well, I agree, in all seriousness those that commit crime should be trackable using high technology such as a chip. That would be a big disincentive to committing further crime knowing that your exact location would be known at all times. Maybe chipped for at least 2 years following a crime might be a start.
Stephen Vella
Mar 9th 2011, 16:17
Great news but I have doubts as how much this law is going to be enforced. I believe that a law was passed recently to regulate noise from animals being kept domestically but unfortunately many dog owners still keep their pets locked up in yards and roofs barking day and night to the deterrent of their neighbors.
N. Schembri
Mar 9th 2011, 16:11
I can understand the concern regarding chipping an animal- a good vet will ensure that the animal does not suffer. Make sure you use a good gentle vet as I am well aware that some non vets are very harsh and savage with dogs..My vet Dr Geoffrey in Msida did a brilliant job , so much so that Poncho hardly noticed that he was mciro chipped.
Jason Borg
Mar 9th 2011, 15:40
Some good news at last. Maybe dog owners will learn to be a little more responsible.
Maria Azzopardi
Mar 9th 2011, 16:26
so lets just microchip everyone then, so that people would behave more responsibly
Jason Borg
Mar 9th 2011, 18:03
Good idea. Let us start with dog owners who never pick up the mess their dogs leave behind.
Sylvia Zammit
Mar 9th 2011, 15:40
I must admit I have mixed feelings about this! I guess it will help to control the number of strays - but at what cost?? And who will pay??? My guess is,as usual - the poor dogs! My 6 dogs are all dogs I rescued - and I don't have to microchip them to ensure that I will never abandon them!! On the other hand, many dog 'owners' (as opposed to people like me - owned by dogs :-) - won't bother to comply, and will disregard the law or abandon their dogs.
The vet's reference to sandfly scares me too!!! I hope it won't be an excuse to kill innocent dogs. Sandfly may not be cured - but it can be managed, and is no excuse for killing unclaimed dogs. By the way - I could find better use for 60 Euro (all my dogs are neutered/spayed) - any chance of a discount? If anyone is listening, I'd suggest that the money collected from microchipping would be passed on to the sanctuaries who have long been caring for unwanted dogs. Personally, I'd object less to this 'tax' if I knew it would help the people who help the strays!
Claire Busuttil
Mar 9th 2011, 19:12
Obviously for this thing to be good, and positive the money collected, should be used for animals, .....
R. Azzopardi
Mar 10th 2011, 08:25
I'm sure that you won't abandon your dogs Mrs. Zammit, however have you ever thought that the chip may be useful if, God forbid, your dogs get lost? It happened to me and it was found thanks to the chip.
Denis A. Darmanin
Mar 9th 2011, 14:59
My question is: And those who don't chip them or their dogs are never leave their house?
This is the same as the TV licence matter. Most TV's sold within the last few years wouldn't be traced since no details of buyer are requested.
So non-chipped dogs cannot be traced unless we have a new wardens to rush to every dog they see and run their little gadget over the animal to check for that 'ping'! Then what?
C Cassar
Mar 9th 2011, 14:48
This is a brilliant initiative, well done to George Pullicino. However, why not take this one very simple step further? Why not take a saliva sample during the micro-chip installation so that the DNA of each chipped dog is also stored. This can be used to catch every single owner who allows his dog to foul the public pavements/footpaths/beaches - in fact anywhere. Specialist wardens can take a quick swab of the offending mess way after the owner has let it happen, no camera, no witnesses necessary. This can then be matched against the DNA database and a fine issued (say €500 and increasing per further offence with eventual confiscation of the animal).
A very simple and very foolproof way of virtually eradicating dog mess over the period of a few weeks.
Kevin Bamber
Mar 9th 2011, 16:00
your excellency seems to have omtted one thing from his/her trail of thoughts, who would pay for all the technology you suggest we implement? Unless you secretly own an oil well and play to fund the entire project yourself, I suggest you hush up as things get paid for thanks to taxes... ;)
C Cassar
Mar 9th 2011, 16:39
Well, the chipping part of the plan is already funded in this initiative. Storing DNA in a database of a few hundred entries is very cheap indeed. The software would cost around €3-4000 (I'm in the industry). Personnel will already be in place to perform the chipping, so an extra 10 mins per dog to do a salive swab and data entry. This would also be funded by the fines that are issued very easily indeed.
Additionally, this iniative is more than simply covering it's costs. There is a social element related to improving the environment. Costing a few €1000 would be a very well worth price considering the immediate environmental and health benefits.
However, I think the system would turn a profit based on the fines from the DNA matching system, so it could start to fund other related initiatives, especially in teh early stages when fines would be at their most frequent.
C Cassar
Mar 9th 2011, 16:58
Sorry, I made a typo in my post above. I meant a few hundred thousand entries in the database would cost €3-4000 for the software.
S Zammit
Mar 9th 2011, 14:46
Although the thinking behind "chipping animals" is good in general, I do not fully agree with what the minister has said. Chipping dogs and cats isn't a solution - backing NGO's like SPCA, etc will!
My dog and cats are all chipped and the only reason this was done was to prepare for the worst i.e. if one ever ran away and was collected, the chips would have my address and the chance of my pet being brought back home are higher!
Kenneth Zammit
Mar 9th 2011, 14:30
I do not agree with introducing foreign bodies onto living beings.
What's next, we will be asked to insert micro-chips onto our children? and why not to repetetive criminals then?
Other alternative solutions may be found.
Mario Desira
Mar 9th 2011, 14:10
I totally oppose such a move: not only I would not comply but would be ready to sue the authorities concerned! While I agree with the motive I totally object to the means;
In fact because of the people who disobey the law, the animals are expected to pay and with their lives!
All concerned – including animal organisations - should be aware that microchipping are a HEALTH HAZARD. A series of side effects including CANCER have been noted. THIS IS NOT THE WAY FORWARD-PLEASE FIND OTHER METHODS!! Politicians are aiming to even microchip humans eventually – well it is up to us to stop them! Our freedom health and dignity are not for sale!
And whatever happened to the Precautionary Principle?!
For information one may view these sample websites:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=3580510
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(human)
http://blog.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/350/dog-microchip/
http://thepetwiki.com/wiki/Microchips_and_Cancer
C Cassar
Mar 9th 2011, 15:27
What rubbish. The Maltese have shown that they have no social responsibility whatsoever when it comes to the environment or respect for their fellow citizens. This initiative is the result of such a culture and is necessary to clean up the island of the disgusting and dangerous mess left by many dog owners. It's only a matter of time before a young child is blinded by the contaminants present in dog exrement (which few know about):
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/child-who-fell-in-dog-poo-may-go-blind-20100819-12rr3.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/515671.stm
A responsible dog owner will welcome this initiative as they are being 'tarred' with the same brush at the moment as those who are totally irresponsible.
I fully endorse this initiative put in place by Mr Pullicino.
Maria Azzopardi
Mar 9th 2011, 16:23
ministers should be microchipped not dogs
Mark Vella Bardon (Noah's Ark)
Mar 9th 2011, 14:09
At last. Only registration of dogs can ensure responsible ownership.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t96pagM1W2k
I don't agree with discriminatory fee between neutered and non neutered dogs.
If anything I would have expected a reduced fee for older dogs.
The previous dog licence had become a farce. The law stipulated that a medal was given against payment of the licence. Medals haven't been available for well over fifteen years.
Dogs already chipped ought to be in the Veterinary Association database ALREADY!
Will wardens be equipped with scanners now? Especially since they seem to have given up on owners who allow their dogs to pooh all over the place! One stroll up Dingli Street in the centre of Sliema is a good example of our pavements having become an obstacle course!
Without ENFORCEMENT this will be a useless exercise. What is the time frame between introduction of the law and its enforcement?
I agree with the 300 euro fine but am made to wonder! Especially when people who are guilty of animal cruelty are often fined less than that, years after the offence had been committed!
Having said all this, microchip registration is a vital step forward.
M Vella Bardon
Mar 9th 2011, 20:46
A circular from the ministry tells us that the time frame is 1 year.
There are two ridiculous statements in the MRAR circular regarding the advantages of this system, I quote:
1. Less spread of disease amongst dogs! (some expert explain how?)
&
2. A deterrent for organised dog fights! (can anyone in his right senses believe that people keeping dogs for fighting are going to register them! What a joke)
Stephen Koludrovic
Mar 9th 2011, 14:02
Great news. Now all we will need is to have dog wardens who could collect all the dog pooh, test the DNA and then fine trhe owners. La. La.La.
Matt Azzopardi
Mar 9th 2011, 14:01
Whoa! Fantastic news! Finally some modern law is coming here! Again fantastic news!
Maria Azzopardi
Mar 9th 2011, 16:25
if that is your idea of fantastic news, you must not get out of the house much
J Vella
Mar 9th 2011, 13:56
Has anyone seen any research to do with RFID chips?
Anything?
Chip migration, cancer, rejection, risk of slowly introducing totalitarianism or unnecessary public surveillance?
Of course it's for your benefit It's for everyone's benefit
All Animals are Equal
But Some are more equal than others
Mary Attard
Mar 10th 2011, 02:25
Sounds like a good idea but, in fact, research is already available that raises serious concerns. There is a lot of information on the net regarding ill effects of chipping. Just search chipping tumors etc.:
http://www.rense.com/general90/chip.htm
Our carelessness will bring on more suffering to the poor hapless animals and eventually can lead to more of the same for us.
Anthony Mizzi
Mar 9th 2011, 13:53
What next micro chipped ID documents for Maltese voters instead of Yearly Government notices?
Or will the Government be fined for letting People found walking with an unchipped ID document /card ?
Jo Cremona
Mar 9th 2011, 13:49
Great initiative and about time!
@Christian Muscat - the €10 less for neutered dogs is positive discrimination - i.e. a valid and acceptable way to encourage responsible / positive behaviour - in this case responsible pet ownership.
J. Borg
Mar 9th 2011, 13:46
i smell another Government Revenue Scheme...
i can see 'wardens' ambushing dog owners who would be walking with their dog, on the lead carrying small platic bags and duly picking up their dog's droppings......but still being robbed of their money, simply because they do not want their dog being chippednd registered like a piece of inanimate vehicle!
tony fava
Mar 9th 2011, 13:43
What does Gonzipn think the people are. Nincompoops ?? Just another subtle way to take away the little that's left in our pockets. Needless to say that it will take more than a dog licence for their pockets to be empty. That is after Gonzipn has awarded himself and his fellows a hefty 500/600 euros a week backdated for two years. And all this behind all everybody's back. May I ask the Hon. Minister how the heck is he going to trace cats ? Many of them are kept indoors.
E Gatt
Mar 9th 2011, 14:28
Fascinating stuff how people like Tony Fava manage to link cats and dogs to MPs’ salaries and Gonzipn.
Sarah De Cesare
Mar 9th 2011, 13:31
@M Attard
You can visit your local vet who can provide your dog with a microchip.
You can also speak with Dogs Trust as the organisation offers free neutering and microchipping for owned pets belonging to people receiving social government benefits, to farmers, hunters and factory dogs in a bid to spread the word of responsible dog ownership. The free voucher provided may be used of at any local veterinary practice. Dogs Trust may be contacted on 777 111 00/ 79790333 or email on office@dogstrustmalta.com. The website is www.dogstrustmalta.com.
M Attard
Mar 9th 2011, 13:40
thanks a lot
a spiteri
Mar 9th 2011, 13:27
"This practise cost dog owners some €23 over the average dog’s life-span of 10 years. So, effectively, the new system will be cheaper than current practise, Mr Pullicino pointed out."
yes mr minister I pay Euro 2.33 yearly and in ten years time i will have paid Euro 23.30 very very cheaper . come on everyone run to your vet to chip your dog in the long run you will save 0.30c . I agree to chip the dogs but mr minister don't try to tbellalna ir ross bil labra
a spiteri
Mar 9th 2011, 13:45
"long run you will save 3.30c" (sorry for mistake) it means that i will save 0.33 c annualy that means very to me mr minister thank you for your kind heart because now i will save 0.33c and so i will have 0.33 c more in my pocket yearly
K Spiteri
Mar 9th 2011, 13:53
@ A Spiteri; it is simply not adding expences....
A.Camilleri
Mar 9th 2011, 13:22
This isn't totally fair - some dog's bodies reject the micro-chip from the body... so the owners should still be fined??
G.Mifsud
Mar 9th 2011, 13:19
Hey what about cats ? all stray cats need to be eridicated from the streets
Mario Borg
Mar 9th 2011, 16:37
Hey, and once we're at it, let's also eradicate bad spellers.
Ruth Attard
Mar 9th 2011, 17:18
Hey what about people...the world would be so much nicer if certain people where eradicated instead
Kyle Boffa
Mar 9th 2011, 13:17
Min jinkwieta fuq il-Libya u min jinkwieta ghax il-kelb ihammiglu l-bankina XD
D. Scerri
Mar 9th 2011, 13:11
A good idea, but be honest to yourselves; this is just another PN tax. There will be no dog catchers rounding up the strays. This is just one more money grabbing strategy by Gonzi & The Goons.
K Galea
Mar 9th 2011, 13:35
@scerri; as stated above "Resources Minister George Pullicino said micro-chipping will replace the previous requirement for dog owners to register the dogs at the police station.
This practise cost dog owners some €23 over the average dog’s life-span of 10 years. So, effectively, the new system will be cheaper than current practise."
you are incorrect to state that "will be no dog catchers rounding up the strays" infact, as an example, during the past year more than 1,000 abandoned and injured stray dogs were taken care of by the Animal Welfare Department
Fabian Borg
Mar 9th 2011, 13:49
Dear D.Scerri,
As a legal dog owner, one who pays the dog licence of Euro 2.33 per year, I cannot by applaud this decision. As mentioned it is cheaper as I have a neutered female dog (as it hurts me to call he bitch) which is 9 years old so this has already cost me Eur 20.97 over her life span. Too bad there will be no discount for legal registered dogs but then so be it (mal hazin jehel it-tajjeb)
The microchip should include details of the registered owner so any stray would uncover the owners inability to contain the animal unless it was reported lost.
Also the microchip is not free so actually 10 euro to get it done is nothing.
Hopefully strays will be eliminated with this new regulation.
Good luck with the cats though as those are harder to catch and control.
DVella
Mar 9th 2011, 14:09
Get a life mate . . . ! . . . 'another tax' for crying out loud . . . . I'm sure that people with such an obsessed outlook are looking for ways in which to blame GonziPN for the uprising in Libya and for Global warming!!
Franco Farrugia
Mar 9th 2011, 21:22
This is no 'other tax'. You show off your true colours - partisan blindness! A long time ago, I had my cats microchipped and the expense was much more than the amount stipulated in this article.
Franco Farrugia
Mar 9th 2011, 13:09
Oh, I agree with your 'min-ihammeg' policy. But let's not just limit it to animal-induced dirt, shall we? Let us also fine those who spit on public land; let us also fine those who throw cigarette ends in the streets!
The Minister has good intentions, but first, a good educational campaign must preceed everything else. That is how civilised countries work.
a.micallef
Mar 9th 2011, 13:04
MIN IHAMMEG IHALLAS. Dog chipping should also serve as tool to prosecute the
owners who litter behind other peoples doors and the public places. Please
Minister stop ignoring this national problem with dogs litter allover the place.
This nuisance must stop otherwise people who are suffering this daily
insult behind their doors WILL decide to solve this problem directly with the dog
and the owners themselves.
Emmanuel Ebejer
Mar 9th 2011, 13:21
That sounds like a threat!!!!
a. Micallef
Mar 9th 2011, 13:43
E. Ebejer. - Yes you are right, THIS IS A THREAT. If the authorities fail to protect me,
I have the right to protect myself from the arrogance of the dirty dog owners.
Emmanuel Ebejer
Mar 10th 2011, 16:38
Good luck!!!
Joseph Galea
Mar 9th 2011, 13:03
I suggest chipping the dog owners too for taking their dogs out and encouraging them to poo onto pavements.
l fenech
Mar 9th 2011, 18:11
@Galea.
You are so right. This happens every morning at around 7 before they go to work at at about 7 in the evening before they retire in front of the TV.
christian muscat
Mar 9th 2011, 13:03
this is non sense and discriminatory that one who has his dogs neutured pays 10euro less. why ?
Matt Azzopardi
Mar 9th 2011, 14:09
Cause it is better for everyone (and the dogs) that your dog is neutered - see Australia - all dogs are neutered - if you want to have a dog which is not neutered u need to get have a permission to do so...
donald borg
Mar 9th 2011, 13:02
Great decision. I have two dogs and welcome this law. Please can you trace owners who let their dogs out to shit on pavements . Please take drastic action against such owners who are careless.
I don't blame the dogs the fault is the owner.
Charles Micallef
Mar 9th 2011, 13:00
Excellent.............and the sooner the better!
r ferriggi
Mar 9th 2011, 12:58
please include ;;;
COMPULSORY ETHIQUETTE COURSE FOR DOG OWNERS
and please include a module - not all human beings are in love with dogs ( not necessarily hate them).
I. Camilleri
Mar 10th 2011, 13:07
@R. ferrigii,
Agree….how about compulsory etiquette for non dog owners also?.....
J Mangani
Mar 9th 2011, 12:53
Why not cats too? There is a huge problem with stray cats all over the islands! I bet there are more stray cats running about our streets than un-neutered stray dogs!
Giovanni Gauci
Mar 9th 2011, 13:06
Never saw stray cats pack and attack dogs, humans or cats
K>Anastasi
Mar 9th 2011, 13:41
I agree I have a couple of stray cats in my street who damage cars by scratching the tires,bumpers and paint a real costly nuisance!
Jon Vercellono
Mar 9th 2011, 14:43
Before you jump on Pullicino's bandwagon - please recognise the service cats provide to their neighbourhood - to wit - eradication of rodents, snakes, and etc. Cats do not pack together and attack individuals either. Overdevelopment is to blame for the concentrations of stray cats and that is a result of misguided policies implemented by said Minister over the years. Do not blame the cats.
K.Anastasi
Mar 9th 2011, 12:52
Good News Prosit!
scerri j
Mar 9th 2011, 12:49
CHIPPING AND MORE..... : Min Ihammeg Ihallas Policy.....
Since there are still so many dog owners who do not bother picking up their dog's poo I would suggest every dog owner to pay a nominal fee of 25 euro per year to make up for costs incurred to remove such poo from our side walks ....Nothing against dogs mind you....but all against the egoistic attitude of many dog owners .
Same goes for Horse owners who litter most of our industrial estates with horse poo.
G Brewsky
Mar 9th 2011, 12:56
I have never seen a dog stand in a human poo!!!!
P.S Zammit
Mar 9th 2011, 13:05
I have a dog but we never go out with it. Do you suggest that I should also pay the nominal fee per year when the only place where it poos is our backyard???? Come on don't put everybody in one basket.
The minister should first and foremost addressed horses in the streets before such action for dogs. Haven't you ever been after one in the road? You drive and you end up seeing all that dirt coming to you??? Horses should be banned in the first place from the streets. The biggest irresponsible owners are of the horses in the first place.
David Buttigieg
Mar 9th 2011, 13:07
If I had to pay for cleaning, then I just won't bother cleaning myself as I always do!
Presumption of innocence is a fundamental part of any democracy!
Fabian J Brincat
Mar 9th 2011, 13:17
No can do. There are those that are responsibile enough and pick up after their dogs so what you are recommending would penilise them just as it penilises irresponsibile owners. You know how the Maltese reason "Mela jekk ser inhallas jist jigbru il-gvern"
scerri J
Mar 9th 2011, 13:32
P.S Zammit - My answer to you is yes ...you should pay . One has to draw a line somewhere sorry. There are many dog owners who leave their 'pets' on roofs and in yards ...barking all day long irritating and annoying residents just for the sake of not taking them out for a walk...This is cruelty to animals....yes whoever does this should also pay. I should assume you are not one of them.
As for horses ...I agree with you 100%...they must pay , and more..Horses carrying carts or coaches should be licenced just as any other vehicle and number plated ....These are the only non numbered vehicles on our island. The owners should stop and pick up the mess.
P. S Zammit
Mar 9th 2011, 14:21
Sur Scerri J
Qabel tiftah halqek kun af il-fatti. Ghal l-informazzjoni tieghek il-kelb tieghi u sa ftit ilu kienu klieb jorqdu u jghixu gewwa fl-istess dar li nghix jien u ir-raguni ghalfejn johorgu fuq il-bejt jew fil-bitha huwa biex jaghmlu il-bzonnijiet taghhom. Ghall-informazzjoni tieghek il-kelb tieghi jghix l-istess daqs li kieku kelli bniedem iehor.
Le ma nahsibx li ghandi ghalfejn inhallas meta ma qed indejjaq lil hadd. Il-hmieg li jaghmlu, jaghmluh go hwejgi u innaddfu jien. Mhux kull min ghandu kelb qed juzah biex idejjaq lil ta madwaru. Mela bl-istess argument tieghek jekk ghandek kelb qed ihammiglek quddiem bibek nghidlek gawdih ghax x'imkien trid taqta linja. Hallina. Billi inhallsu u naghmlu cippi u imbarazz iehor, la se jonqsu il-klieb mit-toroq u l-anqas se jonqos il-hmieg minn barra. Ma nahsibx li ic-cippa se taghmel xi sirena meta il-kelb ikun qed jaghmel barra biex jigu jarrestaw lil owner. Iddahhakx please sur Scherri li minghalik taf hafna.
scerri J
Mar 10th 2011, 07:54
Sur Zammit
Ghandek ragun ...naf hafna...imma int ma tridx tifhem u qed tihodha di petto wisq.
Donnok ma daqx ghal widnejk dak li ktibt...kif bdilt it ton ta kliemek f'daqqa. Jaqaw int wiehed min dawk li tghid li il kelb tieghek ma jimbahx u ma jigdimx ukoll ??
Hawn hafna bhalek li lesti jmutu ghal kelb taghhom u jaghmel x'jaghmel dejjem skuzat . Dik bicca taghhom , imma ma jistax ikun li mibqghu bla kontroll fuq certi ghaffarijiet f'dan il pajjiz .
Heqq ifhem din ghal darba ......Dan bhal min ikollu karozza u jzommha fil garaxx biex jhares lejha biss ...xorta jkollu jhallas licenza u nxjurans mhux hekk ?
PS Zammit
Mar 10th 2011, 11:28
Sur Scerri, jien fl-ebda hin ma ghedt li il-kelb tieghi huwa skuzat ghal kollox. Ghedtlek fejn ma tafx titkellimx ghax fil-kaz tieghi la qadd kien maghluq fuq il-bejt u l-anqas fil-bitha. Jghix fid-dar u rari johrog barra. Jorqod go sodda l-istess bhal bniedem u nista nassigurak li la jhammeg u l-anqas xejn. L-unika drabi li jinbah biex niftahlu il-bitha biex jaghmel il-bzonnijiet tieghu u meta jigi xi hadd ghax jifrah bih. Kellu bzonn il-klieb kollha jinzammu kif inzomm tieghi jien u huma mghallmin bhalu.
Le ma naqbilx li ghandi inhallas meta jien fl-ebda hin u bl-ebda mod ma nikkontribuixxi ghal hmieg li jaghmlu certu nies fit-toroq bil-klieb. X'jigifieri inhallas ghal problemi li qed johloq haddiehor? Ikun ahjar kieku flok indahhlu iktar taxxi fuq kollox (naqra ohra anke fuq l-arja li niehdu minn halqna) ipoggu iktar wardens u nies apposta iduru fuq il-bankini u postijiet maghrufa ghal dawn l-affarijiet, halli min jizbalja ihallas bis-serjeta milli dejjem jehel kulhadd biex ma nirfsu il-kallu ta hadd. Ahjar jghid il-verita il-ministru. Fuq kollox iridu jindahhlu. Dejjem hergin it-taxxi godda, tghid mhux se jbellahili il-ministru li ghall-interessi tal-klieb li qed jaghmel. Jaghmlu imma ghal l-interessi ta bwiethom.
Isabella Peresso Fiorentino
Mar 10th 2011, 20:24
Yes fine, and how about you pay a yearly fee for the air you pollute every time you use your car Mr Scerri? It's not only dogs' pooh which is a health hazard, but also fireplace chimneys, cars, chewing gum stuck on the ground and so on.
Stephen Zammit
Mar 9th 2011, 12:48
Finally...I cannot even go for walks in our area (Luqa - Siggiewi) due to strays...they have formed packs and attack passers by...
I hope that the collection of strays will be enforced a.s.a.p.
Farms and construction sites leave their guard dogs unleashed to the detriment of innocent passers by.
Carmel Debono
Mar 9th 2011, 12:45
Dear Mr. Minister, Why not include cats now? They are the biggest nuisance of all, my area is littered with strays and despite that people feed them all the time, they still mess with every garbage bin in the area. Naturally refuse collectors do not have the time and duty to pick up the remnants and the place is now a heaven for rats and other insects.
This is happening all over Malta & Gozo so what are you waiting for?
P.S Zammit
Mar 9th 2011, 13:11
He will not do it because stray cats do not have owners whom to tax left right and centre. Every measure is just another way to take money from our pockets. Does paying 10 euros difference between neutered and non-neutered makes any dfference in keeping dog birth levels low? Paying 10 euros more does not solve the problem of extra puppies and kittens. As if 10 euros will make people neuter their dog. If they wanted to induce people to neuter their pets they should have promoted a free neutering campaign. So that owners will be more solicited to neuter and solve the problem of unwanted puppies.
A. Schembri
Mar 9th 2011, 12:45
What a breath of fresh air.
I fully concur with this. I have a dog myself which I brought over from the UK when my family moved back to Malta. My dog had to get chipped, passed through local quarentine and go through the legal procedures. I was never made aware it had to be registered with the police, unless this was autromatically done when the procedures to the importation of pets from another country was being applied.
In the town I live, last summer was notorious for cats since the packs of stray dogs referred to above ripped apart a number of cats.
However I question the 'a public health problem'. I truly it is a 'public health problem', then why is it that cats are not also chipped. So many stary cats all over. Owners do not neuter cats hence why so many lovely kittens. I feel that all cat owners shoudl also have to chip and neuter cats to really bring the whole situation under control.
P.S Zammit
Mar 9th 2011, 13:15
InThe most strays I see are cats and not dogs. They should capture them and put them to shelter with the same argument as for dogs. At least a dog won't go on your car producing enormous scratches like it happened to me. Then people feed them without bothering about neutering. Feeding is half the job, neutering should be the first thing to do if you want to work for a good cause.
M Attard
Mar 9th 2011, 12:43
What should i do to chip my pet? shall i go directly to the VET?
Sarah De Cesare
Mar 9th 2011, 13:16
@M Attard
You can visit your local vet who can provide your dog with a microchip.
You can also speak with Dogs Trust as the organisation offers free neutering and microchipping for owned pets belonging to people receiving social government benefits, to farmers, hunters and factory dogs in a bid to spread the word of responsible dog ownership. The free voucher provided may be used of at any local veterinary practice. Dogs Trust may be contacted on 777 111 00/ 79790333 or email on office@dogstrustmalta.com. The website is www.dogstrustmalta.com.
G. Mangion
Mar 9th 2011, 18:24
My Dog is Allergic to micro chips, is there any sincere answers ???
Sarah De Cesare
Mar 10th 2011, 15:40
Honestly speaking, in the many long years of Dogs Trust's experience, we have never seen a case of allergies to chips. We can see no way a dog could be allergic to a microchip – it is inert glass. I would suggest speaking with your vet about this in more detail if you feel he may be allergic, however this would seem unlikely.
G. Mangion
Mar 10th 2011, 18:24
@
Sarah De Cesare
ulikely or Not you havint a 100% answer, and do you think that I have not consulted with a VET Already ? nobody like a Semiconductore under his skin if it is Not 100+% Safe Including You And I. Thanks.
Pauline Abela
Mar 11th 2011, 07:48
@ G Mangion. You don't need to be rude. Ms DeCesare is only trying to provide you with information. If, as you have hinted, you've already consulted a Vet, then you would have been told that if it were an issue, it would be so small as to make it insignificant. This system has been in use for years in other countries. An allergy of concern would normally be one that travels in the bloodstream or over a large area. The microchip is localised and does not enter the bloodstream. Therefore, if your pet does develop an allergy to the microchip, it can easily be removed. You're right in that nobody likes anything under their skin - that doesn't mean that surgery requiring the insertion of bolts into bones, pacemakers and so on is not a regular occurence. Thank God, microchipping is now the law. It's up to you whether to look at its' benefits or to embark on a campaign of making mountains out of molehils.
G. Mangion
Mar 11th 2011, 10:56
@ Pauline Abela.
Fisrt I never was Rude ! Sice you seem to take over From Ms DeCesare.
Do You know that Micro chips have some very dangerous chemicals in them such as Silicon & Germangium ecc,ecc? and Pease dont mix
that insertion of bolts into bones, pacemakers and so on is not a regular occurence. :
That does not mean they Dont have Unwanted Effects too.
Were are the Animal Lovers mostly those that Protest against the circus animals ??? are Not
Dog's animals too ! This is pure Nonsence and Money Talk. I assure you that there are many more options instead the Micro Chip, If this happens We all will Regrett it at the end !