Shot dog: Call for information issued as Star starts road of recovery

Herculano Dias

May 30th 2011, 20:52

I would like to stay with her but i don´t have money to pay the expenses of the trip. But i can give her the same i give to the one´s i already have, a real family! See ya!

Heather Dodds

May 27th 2011, 15:27

Join the facebook page for Star: www.facebook.com/StarOurHope?sk=info and keep up to date on developments on the case. Remember: People Power works in changing this world for the better!

Ms maria bonnici

May 22nd 2011, 17:08

i am ashamed to say that I am catholic and living in this country when i see these barbaric acts! an eye for an eye is indeed neccessary when these acts take place!!!! indecently inhuman!!!!

Claire Busuttil

May 22nd 2011, 09:34

When I read such news, I am totally ashamed of being part of the human race.

Humans, are beasts! Their negative side, is really dangerous!

A Life sentence in prison, can be the most adequate punishment for the culprit. The law, should start to give harsh examples of proper justice in this country!!

I just hope that at leat he/she/they are found. If anyone knows something, please speak up.

Mrs Miriam Cremona

May 21st 2011, 21:23

It is possible to catch the warped culprit and I am intensely hoping that s/he is. - I'm sure there are people out there who can recognise the dog and consequently his owner. Take courage and speak up. If this warped barbarian can do this to a gentle, innocent dog s/he can do it even to a child. S/he must be given the same treatment and then be locked up forever.

Tony Vella

May 21st 2011, 21:11

Ahjar min ghamel dan l-att inuman mar u intradam hu jew hi ,mela jehoda ma kelb.X'injoranza hi din? Wahda biss ghandu jiftakar min ghamel dan l-att li l-id ta ALLA tilhaq lil kulhadd

Maria Azzopardi

May 21st 2011, 21:00

If this dog needs a home, I am ready to adobt him. I love dogs and I have other dogs.

S. Zahra

May 21st 2011, 19:48

unfortunately this article is being read from outside our shores. Some of my foreign friends on facebook are sharing this article on their profile.

The Maltese government and police force should make the possible to solve this case to show foreigners that we Maltese care about animals!

Stephanie Said

May 21st 2011, 16:22

this is such a sad and shocking story! ... I hope this perpetrator is brought to justice and get the punishment which s/he deserves asap!

Mr M Briffa Viva malta

May 21st 2011, 12:24

The person(s) responsible MUST be caught and brought to justice as an example for such nasty inhumane cruelty in the future, lately we've been reading alot on animals cruelty in Malta, Now lets see it the authorities will step up their mark and practice what they preach... OH MONEY TALKS (REWARD)! But the culprit(s) must be found and he or she will be made an example of, thats a DEAD cert..There is always someone somewhere who knows the story, as this is hurting Malta's image i know i have received confirmation from overseas and people from outside will back off and will not visit our islands because of these ass'ols or as we used to call them in the forces traitors to their own people.

Nadia Grech

May 21st 2011, 11:38

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Star-the-dog-who-lived/151783591558622

Nadia Grech

May 21st 2011, 11:24

Dear All...I sent an email with this link to all MPs, David Agius and Leo Brincat have kindly replied and both MPs took action by issuing a call for information on the perpetrator. This issue will have a priority on all of MPs' agenda next week in Parliament.

R Delicata

May 21st 2011, 11:07

This is sick....... very very sick. People that do such things to animals have the mental capacity to turn onto humans as well. Much harsher fines and jail time must be given to anybody that mistreats any type of animal be it a horse, cat, bird or dog. Be strong Star, we love you!!!

Ms Emma Xerri

May 21st 2011, 05:40

And the Church still insists that Man was made in God's Image? Such a low opinion of God they must have.

Mr Joe Xuereb

May 21st 2011, 01:19

People, an evil deed is its own punishment. One can think of any number and manner of punishment that this criminal mind deserves. In fact, by far the harsy hest punishments is that which he himself is giving to himself. He could be reformed or he could reform himself. But I doubt it. He will not feel remorse because he is incapable of that. So he won't be sad. But one thing he cannot escape and that it his life of turmoil that to h'normal'. He puts his head on his pillow last thing at night and he can only think of the next cruel act, using his creative thinking on how to inflict pain. Today a dog. Tomorrow, who knows?! What a way to drop off to sleep. Pathetic little man who could be helped but he cannot accept it. To him cruelty is normal, a way of life. And THAT is a life-sentence imposed on himself by himself. Brrrr!!!

Pauline Mifsud

May 20th 2011, 19:35

Tal biki u tal misthija!!!!!!!!!

Massimo Costa

May 20th 2011, 19:26

This is truly shocking and appalling. The kind of behaviour displayed by the person/s who carried this barbaric act of cruelty is symptomatic of a very sick and disturbed mind. Although I doubt that the culprit/s will ever be caught, in the event of that happening, such culprit/s should be given serious psychiatric treatment, lest they remain the menace to animals, and to society in general, that they are today.

Humans are indeed a very strange species.

Mr Emmanuel Ebejer

May 20th 2011, 18:07

What next? Surely the authorities cannot keep turning a blind eye to all the abuse aninmals go through. An effort should be made to beef up the Animal Welfare Dept. It is also high time that the laws be changed and harsher penalties be given to the culprits. I cannot describe my anger right now!!!
just hope they catch the person who did this.

D. Farrugia

May 20th 2011, 17:26

Find the monster that did this, lock IT up in jail and throw away the key. What a coward.

Mr James Tyrrell

May 20th 2011, 17:25

Once again can I ask the person who made the anonymous phone call to contact the Animal Welfare Department or the police and give them the name of the person responsible for this. Whoever did this is a dangerous person and next time it could be another person who suffers and not an animal. Animals are looked upon as a lower form of life but sometimes I wonder! I hope this lovely dog gets a new and loving owner in the near future as she certainly deserves it.

Anthony Cassar

May 20th 2011, 16:53

So is this not a crime under our laws? How and by whom is this being investigated? Would any investigative journalist take up the task of finding this out and also inform the public regarding the possible connections between animal cruelty (especially of this extent) and crime? Perhaps also publish some better photos of Star and the other dogs found nearby. One would think that someone's conscience would get him/her to make another phone call and expose this sorry excuse for a human being. Unless of course we are happy to play the three 'wise' monkeys untill we are the target of some horrible crime!

Colin Attard

May 20th 2011, 16:30

This is sick and it is difficult to understand what could have motivated the person to commit such a shocking act. However, various thoughts come to mind when I read the story and some of the comments:

1) Surely, someone somewhere must know who that dog belonged to. Malta is too small to make me believe otherwise. This is more so given that someone tipped off Animal Welfare. So proper work by the Police should single out someone not before long.

2) The comments calling for 'eye for an eye, tooth for tooth', Islamic-style actions against the person who committed such an act merely reinforces violence and shallow thinking, which in turn fuels more similar shallow and shocking acts. This is pertinent to note, especially in this case... because after all, was this act done by someone who him/her self was subject to extreme violence, abuse, or marginalisation from society? Something wrong with this person triggered such an action. Society, i.e. the people including politicians, failed to stop such an act from happening, so Maltese society is also to blame for such an act.

3) If as I hope this person is caught, but Maltese Courts and authorities do not deal with this person adequately, we would have read this story, be shocked, talked about it, wrote some comments and done nothing to solve the problem causing the act in the first place. In my opinion, it is not simply a matter of a harsh prison penalty, but even more importantly, of trying to rehabilitate the person AND other persons who are living amongst us with problems similar to the person who committed the act. I think this is the only way how Maltese society can improve and minimize the chances of such acts happening again.

Robert Lewis

May 20th 2011, 16:30

I hope the culprit/s will be caught soon. Star is a lovely dog and its impossible that no one knows whom it belonged to cause she looks rather tamed although she went through a big trauma. Any one who has the slightest information should pass it on so that who committed this cruelty will have to pay for it. Any one who can reveil any information will be the hero of the day after of course Star. I couldn't eat anything yesterday after I read the story. It is unbeleivable. The person/s who phoned up to alert the Animal Welfare Dept must have seen something else. Have courage and come forward. AWD please keep us updated on the recovery of Star.

Mr Jeremy cassar

May 20th 2011, 16:20

anyone knows if this dog will be up fo adoption when he is well enough? who can one contact if so?

Ms M M

May 20th 2011, 16:00

This probably wasn't even this monster's first act of cruelty...

Hoping Star finds a much deserved loving family

J. Bugeja

May 20th 2011, 15:21

This story almost made me cry.
I hope that whoever did this gets what IT deserves.

Michael Manduca

May 20th 2011, 15:10

What cowardly, spineless, 'human being' could be capable of such cruelty to an animal, or any other creature? It's about time it is made legal to GIVE THE SAME TREATMENT to the perpetrators of such acts. Prison would be a luxury. Let alone a suspended sentence. The culprit should be made to feel what the animal felt.

Mr Daniel Balzan

May 20th 2011, 14:37

I hope that the perpetrators are put to justice as if doing this immoral act on a human being.

Why torture animals ? I think it's mad to do such an act on something that cannot fight back and on the animal that is supposed to be man's best friend. In my opinion the state should enforce more harsh penalties on who is caught of doing such disgraceful acts.

Shame on this cowardly act!

S Aquilina

May 20th 2011, 14:32

Can anyone please enlighten me what is the maximum penalty for such violence just in case someone is caught?

Mr Charles Grima

May 20th 2011, 14:24

Shotgun pellets eh? It says it all. I am crying while writing this...I cannot understand this cruelty at all...

Senseless cruelty....

James Dodd

May 20th 2011, 14:20

Someone must surely know, who this poor dog belonged to, therefore they should notify the police, or they will be just as guilty themselves!.

Ms Maria Busuttil

May 20th 2011, 14:20

Today man has lost that inner peace which only Our Lord Jesus Chrsist gives! Give Him a try and see how sweet is His peace! Otherwise this is what we find - desperate hearts ready to brutalise all that surrounds them, especially the innocent - aborted babies, cruelty to animals, cruelty towards the elderly. With His love, even forgiveness becomes sweet and revenge inexistant.

Vincienne Chircop

May 20th 2011, 14:13

Persuna li ghamlet hekk lil creaturi helwin bhal dawk ma ikollux rispet alih u ghal ta madwaru . Fuq kas bhal dan x'ha taghmel il ligi ? ha tibqa fomma siket jew ha tihu passi kif sipost ? ? ? ? u jihdu il kundana li sippost

Forsi xi darba Malta nistaw najdu li ghanda ligi soda kontra mohqrija ta animali ! ma nistawx nitoleraw affarijiet krudili bhal dawn . Iridu nara kif lil dawn il kreaturi niproteguhom. Vera ma andhoms kliem imma andhom qalb u jafu ihobbu kwazi aktar min nies !

Reinhard Azzopardi

May 20th 2011, 14:01

If only everyone is half as kind as you are. the world would be a much better place.

Mr martin chetcuti

May 20th 2011, 13:58

If there is something positive from this HORRIBLE story is that this Dog was found before it was too late and that now is in good safe hands, and this thanks to an anonymous Hero's call. Now what is VERY VERY important is the information to lead to the coward CRIMINAL which if caught I hope will be given an exemplary harsh sentence

Lisa Young

May 20th 2011, 13:53

Well done to the Animal Welfare department!!!!

I hope star gets a loving home and would like to know if there is some way to donate to the department so they can continue the wonderful work they do!

Paul Andrew Vella

May 20th 2011, 13:47

Poor Dog...Hope the perpetrator will be prosecuted accordingly.

Rodney Xerri

May 20th 2011, 13:47

The government should revise the law on animal rights!! an act like this should be charged as attempted murder and torture. I wonder what the poor dog did to deserve that kind of treatment.

Who ever did it is a coward!!

Nadia Grech

May 20th 2011, 13:39

I would like to adopt Star as well and give her the love she deserves, if I could I'd take them all home!!!

Yesterday I made a couple of phone calls to check on her and this morning I called Animal Welfare and was told that she's being treated as St.Francis Centre and when she's fine she will be transferred to Ghammieri for adoption.

I really hope that justice is done with this two-legged monster!!

D Spiteri

May 20th 2011, 13:30

Kemm hawn min hu bla qalb.

Mr Evarist Saliba

May 20th 2011, 13:22

This is a shameful act which has to be condemned. The culprits should be brought to justice, and hopefully, in the same way that members of the public raised the alarm, there will be others who will provide information towards this end.
However, I fail to see why the Maltese nation and the authorities have to be blamed. This tendency to depict all condemnable acts as products of inaction on the part of the authrities or typical of the Maltese society, does nothing to educate those who commit these atrocities.

Mr Jimmie Rowe

May 20th 2011, 13:15

Pity really we are seeing these images, i just had a call from Perth Australia, and i can asure you the Maltese are not receiving a good welcome from the aussie because of such barberic deeds by a small minded minority. Sickening to say the least, how can a poor defenceless animal defend itself against these low muggets that walk amongst us? boy all i want is a few moments with the culprit, i'm sure they will be kissing their ass goodbye the same way, in malta its illegal but where i come from dicipline talks.

Ms Sylvia Zammit

May 20th 2011, 13:06

I have been involved with the Island Sanctuary for well over 18 years now - and in those years have seen some horrific examples of cruelty to animals - dogs in particular.This episode, however, left me speechless! What's next? As a Maltese, I hate it when we are accused of being a nation of animal haters. (Though this may have been a foreigner anyway!) On the other hand, Malta cannot exactly be called an animal friendly country. Il-huta minn rasha tinten!!!! From the highest authority (which I believe is the Court) right down to the grassroots, animals are treated as scum and animal lovers as second class citizens. We are denied the right to take our pets to the beach, public gardens, promenades etc etc, not to mention keep a pet in our home -even if the only home we can afford is a flat/maisonette due to neighbours who complain as soon as a dog opens its mouth! Maltese people are generally intolerant when it comes to animals and many police could not care less. It is in this atmosphere that this kind of abuse can happen. Thank God for the few associations and individuals who care deeply - and for the Animal welfare Dept too! Now we need an especially appointed magistrate and court expert to deal with such cases and give dogs and dog owners justice.

Mr Joseph Aquilina

May 20th 2011, 13:03

The thing that annoys me the most is the fact that the person who did this wanted the dog to suffer for a very long period. He did not want only want to kill the dog, he wanted to make the dog suffer, otherwise he wouldn't have have gone to such lengths to bound and muzzle the dog alive!! The POLICE should threat this case with high importance. And POLITICIANS should wake up from the long sleep they are in. It is time they act like leaders and not just pretend they are!!

Leanne Vella

May 20th 2011, 13:03

I hope that this person/s are caught...I don't know how they could have done it these are heartless people which tried to kill a precious dog. I can't imagine how people beat a dog let alone bury them alive. These are not humans but monstrous people !!!!!!!!

Adrian Gouder

May 20th 2011, 13:01

Disturbing to say the least!

Please, anyone having more information should contact the police. Persons as cruel as this one normally have other cruel traits, and are even violent on their own family members. Reporting such persons is benefitial to the whole of society.

Steve Zammit

May 20th 2011, 12:54

What a shame :((

I'm speechless

Ms Xaxa Caruana

May 20th 2011, 12:52

Ghal dal bniedem ( jekk tista sejahlu hekk) nerga ingib il piena tal forca.

Good Luck Star j'Alla tiehdok familja ta vera li taghtik hafna imhabba u tkun tfissdek, ghax hekk biss jixraqlek, li ssib xortik.

FRANCO CALLEJA

May 20th 2011, 12:48

why they take them to court so thay get a bail for €500.If I was the law I will do the same to him or she in public and bring the dog to watch.Who ever done this is a psicopatic person and he deserves the same treatment.

Emma Grima

May 20th 2011, 12:47

How could anybody be so heartless!!! If one is capable of using such cruelty on an innocent animal, he won't think twice to use it on a human being. I really hope he/she is caught and appropriate action is taken.

Mr Chris Mifsud

May 20th 2011, 12:41

I hope the person who did this is caught, not by the police but by very vigilant animal lovers. I honestly wish that somebody does to him worse than what he did to that poor helpless and trusting dog.

Mr R Rizzo

May 20th 2011, 12:39

Such people are to be thrown out of society as outcasts because they have nothing human just monsters. I would introduce capital punishment just for these cowards who enjoy seeing others suffer.

Pam Bonello

May 20th 2011, 12:34

Authorities wake up!!

Animal cruelty is not human cruelty, but it is cruelty nonetheless! If anything we could say it worse since it is inflicted on a living creature that does not have the same capabilities to defend itself. Thanks to the Animal Welfare Department we are being made of aware of the sick but true reality that these hideous actions are being taken on our island... an island who prides itself of "friendly and catholic people" ... Yet, despite all this, when anyone is caught... if and when they are caught, justice is very lenient to say the least. A 500euro fine for cruelty to a dog.... for all animal lovers in authority, imagine that was your dog or cat, or whatever beloved pet you might have part of your family.

From the comments on this blog, and I am sure there are many others, it seems like there are a lot of animal lovers, who however on our own cannot do anything. We need the justice system behind us to make sure that these criminals get sentenced and justice is served! Our laws need to change! Enough is enough! How many more of these stories to we have to hear about before something is done?!

charmaine cassar

May 20th 2011, 12:30

This is one case where we should go an eye for an eye , tooth for a tooth.

Mr Jonathan Micallef

May 20th 2011, 12:24

The creature who inflicted this torture on Star needs to be treated to the same pain and suffering but only tenfold. Anybody who can inflict such pain on another living creature can't be called a human being.

Do we need stricter animal cruelty laws with more serious punishments embedded?
Can any punishment handed down by the courts act as a deterrent to people who would commit such crimes?

D. A . Agius

May 20th 2011, 12:24

Flogging should only be the start of the punishment deserved...

Mr Daniel Schembri

May 20th 2011, 12:21

A person who is able to do this will probably do other despicable acts to humans who happen to be in his way to any of his self interests. He is not safe to have around.

Lee Micallef

May 20th 2011, 12:02

I hope whoever the anonymous person was who phoned in with this information would call in again and give the name of this disgusting person.

And if/when caught please can the courts sentence this low life as soon as possible (not in 10yrs time) with a hefty jail term.

Mr Anthony Mizzi

May 20th 2011, 12:01

Name and shame and hopefully JUSTICE is truly done and an example set for such a sick mind!

Such a beautiful dog must surely not have gone unoticed and should not be difficult for owner to be traced and put to justice .....even though he will never get a fraction of the sugffering he put this dog through!

Mr Steve Evans

May 20th 2011, 11:55

Quoting the Pink Floyd album here,ANIMALS

Mr Joe Xuereb

May 20th 2011, 11:50

The person who did this is very 'sick' in the mind but could still be seen to function normally, ie probably has a family and children, goes to work, etc. But as an individual he is going nowhere and believe me, that is punishment enough. But he needs to be caught and dealt with as he is dangerous even to himself. If someone said that of any of us decent people we should be very perturbed. This person won't be. The mouth of whoever did this should be muzzled and his hands tied, just like what he did to the dog, because his mouth and hands are offensive, never mind his mind, a contamination to his species. There! I feel better.
Thanks to Rita Zammit for offering to take in this delightful-looking creature. If only more men were like her. Some hope!

Mark Tagliaferro

May 20th 2011, 11:45

When shall this country have a dedicated animal police force? When shall we realize that these are very serious crimes? I feel insulted that who did this is being referred to as a human being. This was the work of a monster who deserves to be locked up forever! Unless we start taking serious action then this will keep happening!

Karl von Brockdorff

May 20th 2011, 11:37

and we refer to the dog as the animal..

Mr anton izzo

May 20th 2011, 11:37

Shame on the culprit lets bring him to justice and hope he get what he deserve. Please lets make an effort to report these kind of brutality.

Ms Roxanne Mifsud

May 20th 2011, 11:36

The images brought tears to my eyes

Franco Farrugia

May 20th 2011, 11:35

It is absolutely useless having these comments online, unless specific issues are addressed by the authorities. The courts are being far too lenient, probably due to the fact that they have their hands tied owing to useless and outdated legislation that is animal-centred. The Police have far too much work on their hands, or they don't find the necessary cooperation from the courts or from other entities, or are simply disinterested in animals' plight even though you DO find individual police-officers that love animals and go out of their way to help them. We have useless politicians who don't give a dime as regards animal-welfare. THIS is the problem. This is the main contention!

Aloysia Abela

May 20th 2011, 11:33

speechless......

well done animal welfare ! my gratitude goes to all officers and coordinator who work round the clock to give a better life to poor creatures like Star. Hope Star will soon find a loving home to be respected , loved and taken care of .... and yes we need Laws to punish and deter the 'sick minded' against such CRUEL and SAD acts.....
A. Abela

Fabien Sant Fournier

May 20th 2011, 11:26

what is it gonna take for this country to change its lax sentencing so that scum like this who clearly have sadistic intent end behind bars?!

CJ Cordina

May 20th 2011, 11:25

In my opinion, the people who did this to the dog should be sent straight to the hospital for mental treatment.

Mrs shar camilleri

May 20th 2011, 11:12

I don't think that he can read this message because most probably a person who can do this is so ignorant that he does not read newspapers.. but all i ask him Is WHY? WHAT CAN A DOG DO TO DESERVE THIS INHUMAN TREATMENT??? I AM NOT A VIOLENT PERSON BUT MAY YOU ROT IN HELL FOR ETERNITY!!

Patrick Scicluna

May 20th 2011, 11:02

Bring them to justice these cowardish criminals

G. Borg

May 20th 2011, 10:59

Min jaghmel affarijiet bhal dawn l-aqqas tista issejjahlu bniedem ! Biex ikollok din il-kwantita' ta' hazen gewwa fik bilfors li jrid ikollok ix-xitan qieghed jahdem gewwa fik. Tipprova tahseb kif persuna tista tasal biex taghmel dawn l-affarijiet moqzieza, ma tasal qatt. Affarijiet li jekk ma tarax, ma temminx. Dan mhux il-habs biss haqqu....................

Janet Ellul Robson

May 20th 2011, 10:58

I feel sick to my stomach! I hope this case is taken very seriously and that the abuser is caught and punished as he deserves to be. Such sick people take out their anger and frustrations on these innocent pets as they feel they have total contol over them. Shame on them......hopefully once caught they will put him/her in jail as this is a serious crime!

Other countries take this abuse very serious as found on this link http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/jail-for-man-who-buried-dog-alive

Dalton Caruana

May 20th 2011, 10:44

For sure he will be given a 150 Euro charge from court and thats it. Nkun naf minhu jien najdlu x jamilhom il klieb dak ghandu jehel habs ghax li ghamel ma kelb jista jaghmlu ma bniedem.

Mr ray borg

May 20th 2011, 10:43

Imbad nighdu dak kelb, jew int il veru kelb u hafna aktar !!!QATT XI KELB GHAMEL HEKK LIL XI BNIEDEM.
Il pulizija ghanda taghmel minn kollohox biex taqbad lil din il persuna (jekk ghandna nsehula ekk) u kull minn jaf jew ghandu xi hjiel ghandu jirraporta ha jinqabad ghax dan hu ta periklu ghall poplu ghax biex tasa taghmel ekk lil kelb li ma ghamilek xejn ahseb u ara x'jasal jaghmel lil bniedem. ISTHI JA DEMEL, KELLEK BZONN TINQABAD U TIHU AKTAR MILLI HAQQEK PERO JEKK MA TINQABATC ALLA GHAD IHALSEK U JEKK MA JEZISTIEX INFERN ALLA ZGUR JOHLOQ WIEHED GHALIK. TFAJT IS-SAHTA TA KULLHADD FUQEK MA MA GHANDEKX IZJED TISSEJAH BNIEDEM...

Mr Jeffrey Mallia

May 20th 2011, 10:39

Some 3 years ago somebody for Siggiewi burnt to death a dog with a blowlamp.........He was fined around 50 euro and let free.................so don't expect any bigger punishment from our Courts...

Ms Martina Scalpello

May 20th 2011, 10:38

Who would do such a thing? I simply will never understand. Poor dog :(

VV Bartolo

May 20th 2011, 10:38

ninsab perswaz li min ghamel dan l-att miskien u BARBARU ghal kurzita jidhol fuq din is-site biex jaqra x'gara u x'ma garax wara l-OXXENITA li ghamel, u jaqra wkoll ir-reazzjoni tal-poplu.

lil dan il-proxxmu miskien, bla gieh u barbaru, jien nixtieq insaqsih: "kif kellek il-qalb taghmel din il-makabrita fuq annimal innocenti? annimal li ma setax jiddefendi lilhu nnifsu? mhux talli sparajtilha, imma wkoll irbatta b'tali mod biex la ticcaqlaq u lanqas tkun tista tinbah!! possibli kellek il-gazz li tpoggi rasek fuq l-imhadda dal-lejl wara dik ix-xena ta' qsim il-qalb li krejajt int stess? ghandek qalb int jew m'ghandekx??? zgur mhux forsi li l-kelba kienet kelba kwieta u mansa minn kif irreagixxiet meta giet salvata!! mela ghalfejn ghamiltilha hekk??? ma nixtieqlekx deni imma nitlob li TINQABAD U SSIR GUSTIZZJA MIEGHEK DAQS LI KIEKU DAK LI GHAMILT GHAMILTU MA BNIEDEM UMAN!!!"

K. Rizzo

May 20th 2011, 10:30

Reading updates of this story gives me huge ANGER at that monster and huge HAPPINESS for this sweet dog! Once they mention pellets then was it a hunting gun? I just pray that he gets caught and the exact same be done to him!

Mr Leslie Courte

May 20th 2011, 10:25

The person doing this should have the same treatment!

Rod Delamere

May 20th 2011, 10:22

Let's hope the people who know the perpetrator give him/her similar treatment before reporting to the authorities for public shaming.
What kind of 'two legged vermin' walk the streets of Malta blackening the name of so many good folk?
Let 'rough justice' prevail for this despicable act of barbarism.
This seasoned visitor to your delightful islands is not deterred and recognises you have 'bad apples' in your barrel like us here in UK.

Mr Emanuel Vella

May 20th 2011, 10:01

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals - Immanuel Kant

Mr Edward Muscat

May 20th 2011, 09:57

Those in Parliament are accomplices to this heinous crime.

Victor Pulis

May 20th 2011, 09:54

Please don't refer to the scum bag slime as a human being. Whatever did this despicable act should suffer more than the dog if caught. I'm sure that somewhere out there someone must have recognised the dog and so its 'owner' Please come forward so that jusice is done hopefully.

Mr Joe B Edwards

May 20th 2011, 09:52

I think that animal cruelty of this nature should be a crime punishable by jail sentences.. Besides the cruelty of the act, we also have to be concerned because there is a correlation between animal cruelty and violence

This dog probably did not do much to defend itself and yet the person buried it. Who is to say that the persons next victim is not a defenceless child?

Some references:
http://ijo.sagepub.com/content/52/2/175.abstract
http://www.jaapl.org/cgi/reprint/30/2/257.pdf
http://www.cynthiahodges.com/animals/pages/animal_human_violence.pdf
http://www.predators.tv/research/animalabuse.asp
http://books.google.com.mt/books?id=NZCm0ScOCfAC&pg=PA36&lpg=PA36&dq=correlation+animal+cruelty+and+murderers&source=bl&ots=mfSXcHK5qX&sig=5V4un3Gt2XJXkOJUO6r4E2_xDWw&hl=mt&ei=9RvWTcC5McXNswb0u9GpBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CD4Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=correlation%20animal%20cruelty%20and%20murderers&f=false
http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/PDF/AnimalAbuseHumanAbuse.pdf
http://www.gevha.com/prensa/articles/39-articles/354-usf-study-finds-childhood-animal-cruelty-is-indicator-for-violent-offenders
http://www.amorak.net/ArticlesBeingKindtoAnimalsForEveryonesSake.html

Mr G Psaila

May 20th 2011, 09:51

How can anyone turn his back and walk away after doing something like this? The person who did this is sick to the core.

Anthony Cassar

May 20th 2011, 09:44

From the article I have not understood whether the police are investigating this act, i.e. evidence re materials used for binding, knots used, type of whole dug, etc. etc has been put on record. Does anyone believe that this extent of overkill is restricted to one act and to one animal? Also has anyone come forward to state that this might be his/her dog....makes you think doesn't it?

Ms Maria Vella

May 20th 2011, 09:42

I cannot find the right words to describe my disgust and contempt at the person/s who inflicted such pain on an innocent being.

What is more sad is that legislation does not offer much protection to these animals. At least the Animal Welfare team are doing a sterling job with the limited resources and powers they have.

It is sad to think how people don't realise what unconditional love an animal gives - if only people understood this it would be a better world. I don't expect everyone to be animal lovers, rescuing animals here and there (though it would be great) but to inflict such pain?????

terrible terrible terrible

Mr JOSEPH ZAMMIT

May 20th 2011, 09:37

Many thanks and congratulations go the the Animal Welfare Department and its officers for their prompt action. Such cruelty must not go unpunished. Whoever did this must be brought to justice at once as he/she is a dangerous person.

Though this incident is disgusting in its cruelty, however, the positive side of it is that Star, the dog, still showed gratitude to the humans who rescued her. Star received unbearable pain, suffering and neglect and in return she gave back to the human species, love and gratitude---a spiritual lesson worth contemplating.

Mr Stephen Camilleri

May 20th 2011, 09:35

I am sure they can find the ruthless culprit if they really want to. By publishing photos of the dogs they found, someone might recognize whose dogs they were. Then maybe the authorities can bring justice to the poor animals by giving the merciless criminal a taste of his own medicine. In the meantime a BIG congratulations to the Animal Welfare Department for their brave deeds.

rita zammit

May 20th 2011, 09:33

i would like to adopt this dog and give it a good home.........contact [email protected]. thanks.

Sarah Spiteri-Gonzi

May 20th 2011, 09:32

I hope that this 'miracle' dog finds the MOST loving family on God's earth to adopt him. This story has really upset me and it shows that we are in desperate need of tougher animal protection laws and very strict judgements against 'people' (who certainly don't deserve being called as such) who commit such disgusting crimes.

Police - please catch him;

Magistrates - we don't want to see him being let off with a small fine/bail - it is ridiculous for such a terrible crime.

Mr Joseph Aquilina

May 20th 2011, 09:30

The person (or persons) who did this must have mental problems and could be a danger to our society. I hope the police force will treat this case with most importance since someone who is ready to do that to one creature will not mind doing the same to another; regardless if that creature is another dog or human. For starters I feel very sorry that in this article I did not read that a Magistrate has been appointed on the case!!

Mrs Rita Dimech Portelli

May 20th 2011, 09:29

http://undeniableme.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/animal-cruelty-the-key-to-serial-minds/
This is what animal abusers become - this is why abusers should be caught and severly punished.

Mr Charles P Cilia

May 20th 2011, 09:29

Bastards. The person who did this should be jailed in an underground cell without food and water for as long as it takes to make him/her realize that animals have feelings too, even if these cowards have none.

Mr Jonathan Agius

May 20th 2011, 09:28

I wish star a very good recovery while I condemn that thing because I can't say that it's a human! I wish that he or she will be caught and get what they deserve!!

Pia Attard

May 20th 2011, 09:26

It's absolutely heartbreaking that there are people in this world who would actually do this.

Doing this to an animal must be a sign of a true personality disorder with an absolute lack of empathy (also known as "psychopath"), and there's not much for stopping them doing it to a person, or other animals.

This act has truly made me sick to the stomach.

Mr Antoine Grima

May 20th 2011, 09:20

How sick can you be !!!!!!! Whoever did this must be punished dearly. Whoever is capable of such horrible things must be even a danger to people around him.Well done to the animal welfare.God bless you

Mr Mark Gauci

May 20th 2011, 09:20

How shameful, how can anyone in the right frame of mind hurt such a defenseless creature. How horrible !!!!!

Roderic Sultana

May 20th 2011, 09:19

Shame shame shame!!!! How can someone treat animals in such a way!!!!! Actually I'm really confused who's the animal in this case... is it the dog? or the so called "human" who hopefully will be hunted down and jailed for such an act!!!
Good job Animal Welfare Department!!!

Ms Rudi Mcbeal

May 20th 2011, 09:17

Words fail me. How can someone commit such an evil deed, my goodness!

Mr Peter Murray

May 20th 2011, 09:14

If man is truly a dog's best friend then a lot of dogs have a massive problem.Why do we refer to someone behaving very badly as an animal -I wonder if when this occurs in the canine world dogs say to each other stop behaving like a human?The person performing this barbaric act gives savages a bad name.HE or she will be rewarded ultimately- whether in this life or the next.

Mr George Attard

May 20th 2011, 09:11

Looking at those pictures breaks my heart however it is right for this paper to publish them. Surely there can be evidence that can lead to whichever sick person has done this so that they can be brought to justice.

Johann Cardona

May 20th 2011, 09:11

I know i might sound hard, but i am ashamed to live on the same island with such people. If caught (and hear i make an appeal to the commissioner of police) the persons responsible for such cowardly actions should be left to rot in prison and the key to their cell should be thrown away for good. This country needs a strong response to such actions and both parties should once and for all agree on a strong legislation to protect animals.

Matthew Bugeja

May 20th 2011, 09:10

my beliefs tell me that I don't wish anything bad to happen to others! But on this atrocity I wish all the harm in the world to happen to the person who did this!

Mrs Rita Dimech Portelli

May 20th 2011, 09:06

Thank you Animal Welfare for saving this dog.

Mr wayne scicluna

May 20th 2011, 09:04

You have really got to be the lowest of the low to do something like that. So tell me....if the person is caught, will his limbs be tied and his mouth gagged? Will he be buried alive? OF COURSE NOT. He is human so is classified as a superior being. Perhaps he might get a little fine and a suspended sentence?

Joanna Ellul

May 20th 2011, 09:03

Unbelievable... I just can't understand how people can come to doing such things! I myself homed a dog from the Animal Welfare that was in a horrible state, and nowadays he's just a bundle of joy and love... :(

Mr J Caruana

May 20th 2011, 09:02

This is so sad. I can't believe a person can be this cruel!

Celine S

May 20th 2011, 09:01

People like this derve to be sentenced to jail!! Taking their rage out on a poor defenceless animal! Well done to the Animal welfare for your hard and dedicated work!! Unfortunately there is still a lot of ignorance in Malta with regards to animals. They are taken for granted in many cases! Another horrifying story was on the news yesterday :when shots were heard as a flock of storks was flying over Malta! Go and shoot in Bidnija not on these animals/birds!!

David Calleja

May 20th 2011, 09:00

Well Done to the Animal Welfare Department for their great job!!!!

Simone Grima

May 20th 2011, 08:59

How can anybody lay down and sleep after doing such a crudelty! Hope that tha authority will give him a good lesson when this 'monster' will be caught!!!!

Peter Galea

May 20th 2011, 08:58

would it not be a good idea if this monster is caught, he be given same medicine. he gave to this poor innocent animal better than a fine of few euros or just suspended sentence

Mr Gordon Camenzuli

May 20th 2011, 08:58

This pics are more than shocking! Who ever did it deserves no more than buried alive! Utterly shocking!

J. Camilleri

May 20th 2011, 08:54

Dan l-bniedem haqqu min jamillu l-istess - jorbtu b'habel u jitfnu, halli jkun jaf xi tfisser!

Missu jisthi!!

Victor Vella

May 20th 2011, 08:53

Why ? thats all I am going to say.The person who did this deserves the death sentence, he is a menace to society, as doing this to a dog who is friendly is the same as doing it to a child who trusts and loves .This is a betrayal of trust and corruption of innocence.

Ms Stacey Spiteri

May 20th 2011, 08:48

Xi krudelta'....min jahqar l annimali jisthoqqlu l istess mohrqrija