Dogs Trust Malta has appealed to the government to rethink by-laws proposed bythe Sliema council to further restrict the free movement of dogs in public places on grounds that the measures may adversely affect their welfare.

Sarah De Cesare, Dogs Trust Campaigns Manager, said:

"Dogs Trust is concerned that if these by-laws are passed they will impose unreasonable restrictions on dogs and their owners, leaving them with even fewer places to express their basic right to exhibit natural behaviour and exercise freely.

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

"We work hard to promote responsible dog ownership and the companionship that dogs offer us.

"These proposed measures could serve to ostracise dog owners and discourage others from getting a dog if the places that they can enjoy are severely limited," he said

Ms De Cesare said the trust urged the government to rethink these proposals and instead look to placing emphasis on encouraging responsible dog ownership and penalising those who fail to clean up after their dog and keep them under control.

"We would like the government to ensure that any decisions made due to concerns about risks to human health are well thought through and based on hard evidence.

"An outright ban on dogs in public places that they have enjoyed for years could prove to be a backward step for animal welfare in Malta and tarnish our reputation as a nation that understands and respects the welfare needs of animals in line with the rest of Europe."

Dogs Trust Malta offers free neutering and microchipping for all dogs in Malta and Gozo whose owners receive benefits, as well as for all farm, factory and hunters' dogs.

The charity also runs regular roadshows across the island, where dogs can receive free neutering vouchers, a health check and microchip.

It can be contacted on 7771 1100 or 2142 1500, e-mail: office@dogstrustmalta.com .

www.dogstrustmalta.com