Dogs Trust appeals to government to rethink by-laws

Natasha Ciancio

Jul 8th 2011, 15:49

There is a petition.....please sign if you want to be able to take your dogs swiming. Thanks.

http://apps.facebook.com/petitions/398/petition-for-dog-friendly-beaches-public-gardens/

John Doe

Jul 2nd 2011, 13:21

If this measure does not get introduced, how is the Sliema Local Council going to make good for the huge debts amassed by the previous Mayor?

laura VASSALLO

Jul 2nd 2011, 11:16

It's time we demand to review our antiquated dog laws. Unless we change those we have no strength. It's a question of organizing ourselves into a strong lobbying group. Easier said than done! What are we waiting for? A laissez faire attitude so typical of our country is allowing unthinking people to dictate for us all.Democracy is not only about voting every 5 years. You got to make it happen!

Mr Joe Gatt

Jul 2nd 2011, 02:46

This has all to do with money, no more no less. All Dog and other pet owners are supporting a sizeable business sector, now someone else wants to chip in. I believe this will get worse.

I am a responsable dog owner, which I saved from the street, and when my faithful friend kicks the bucket, I swear I will not own another dog again, I appeal to others to do the same, let those that are making or trying to make even more profit at our expence, all Vets, Petshop owners, importers ect, let them worry and complain on our own behalf.

Otherwise, just bear it and do not complain, it will only fall on deaf ears anyhow.

Claire Busuttil

Jul 1st 2011, 23:31

as usual authorities got for the easier way rather than for the one making sense.....instead of punishing who does not respect the law, they prevent.....
u le jahasra...povri klieb!!

It is a very very hard time for dog owners in Malta, in every new park, or garden, you will promtly see a sign saying that dogs are not welcome.......this is a disgrace, and the MRRA, should look to try a better solution, even for the dogs, ghalkemm bla vot......ghax tafu intom min ihobb l annimali hawn hafna, u ghandom il vot..... :)

laura VASSALLO

Jul 1st 2011, 22:27

The more I get to know people the more I love my dog.

Mr Edward Camilleri

Jul 1st 2011, 21:12

Instead of introducing animal friendly measures like the rest of the developed world, the local council is trying to introduce high penalties for something that's become necessary. There is no bay that is not frequented by humans, so where are the dogs going to be taken? Sliema front is huge, why not make specific areas for humans, and others for humans with their pets?

claire cp

Jul 1st 2011, 20:08

I was sunbathing with a friend of mine not long ago in golden bay and a toddler ran straight over her face and kept going. she was hurt quite badly as one can imagine. we might as well ban children from these beaches too cause as much as you get irresponsible dog owners, you also have irresponsible parents!
and personally i have not yet ever come across dog poo on a beach... its mainly glass, bottles, left over bbq food, empty packets, cigarette buts and even siringes that i do come across. Maybe we should just ban everyone completely

laura VASSALLO

Jul 1st 2011, 19:48

Taking your dog for a walk on a lead through Gnien Independenza in Sliema is a crime and has always been judging from those ridiculous sign posts present at the various entry points. The cat community is howerever thriving with lots of feeding attendants doing a wonderful job. Do I detect some form of animal discrimination here? Don't get me wrong I have no problem at all with cats being taken care of, but please let us law-abiding citizens enjoy our dogs too1

Ms Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Jul 1st 2011, 19:01

I just cannot comprehend why law-abiding owners of dogs have to be punished because of the irresponsible ones!! It appears to be the easiest way out for the Government. Instead of enforcing the law, these restrictions on our dear dogs seem to be the easy way out. Why should well-behaved dogs be deprived of having a healthy swim? Why should we be deprived of having some healthy exercise in a park with our four-legged friends, similar to what happens in other countries? I urge the Government to have second thoughts before introducing such discriminatory measures.

Henry S. Pace

Jul 1st 2011, 18:13

Dogs should not be allowed to go into the water where human beings are supposed to be enjoying themselves while swimming. This was a good decision. Well Done.

Mr David Buttigieg

Jul 1st 2011, 16:57

""To deny all dogs access to public gardens and prohibit them from swimming in the sea and natural pools is extremely short-sighted."

Extremely short-sighted?

How polite you are, a far more appropriate word comes to my mind to describe this decision but I'm sure it would be censored!

Kate de Cesare

Jul 1st 2011, 15:49

Well said Sarah. I'm a very responsible dog owner, I keep her on a leash and pick up her poop, so I can't understand why my dog and I should be so restricted. Why should I only be able to walk my dog on a busy road rather than have a pleasant walk through a public garden/ park.

I understand that there are dog owners who are not so considerate but more should be done educate them and penalize those who allow their pets to be a nuisance. Simply restricted and slapping on fines is an easy and lazy way out.

Parks in the UK are full of families with their dogs, on and off their leash, having a fun run around, so is it so unreasonable to be allowed to have a little outdoor space for our four legged friends here too?

Before I found out that dogs aren't permitted at sandy beaches, I took mine to one, she was so well behaved, not a nuisance at all and a pleasure for the children on the beach... at the end of the day, when everybody left I was left awestruck at the disgusting mess that people left behind them, empty bottles, polystyrene boxes, bags etc... its these people who should be getting the fines!!

on a more positive note though I was very impressed by the new 'Kitchen Garden' the public garden/ cafe at the back of San Anton Gardens... apart from being beautifully done up, they seem to be encouraging visits from our furry friends with doggy water stations... I now visit regularly!

Mr A. Mizzi

Jul 1st 2011, 14:54

If only Dogs had votes!

Even this school has been closed down and the training ground given to Arriva to transform it into a terminus!


http://dogtrainingmalta.org/join.htm

If only dogs had votes....... their owners do have!