Pets welcome in Milan, but not Malta

Dog owners are feeling “totally limited” by where their animals, considered members of their family, can accompany them.

The predicament was hammered home for Carina Camilleri, who went to pick up a parcel from Naxxar post office with her dog, but was told he must stay outside.

Although the exchange at the post office was cordial, Ms Camilleri said she was not informed about the no-dog policy the first time she showed up, no signs indicated pets were not allowed and that if Cody, her pet, had to wait outside, there should at least be something to tie his lead to.

“To me – and I have my own children too – a baby crying in that queue would have been more annoying than a quiet dog in a corner,” she said.

Maltapost confirmed pets are not allowed inside its premises as per company policy, to“avoid disturbance to other clients, who may be allergic to animals” – of course, with the exception of guide dogs.

Moreover, signs indicating pets are not allowed are affixed in all post offices, it said.

The officer in charge of the Naxxar branch had said she could wait outside with her pet and he would call when it was her turn, but she took him out and queued.

However, Ms Camilleri vented her irritation at “the lack of services in favour of dog owners” and the fact that, unlike overseas, they are forbidden in many places.

“In Milan, women walk around Prada with their Daschunds, and in Amsterdam, you can take your dog into any restaurant and they even provide a water bowl…

“Our dog accompanied us on a holiday abroad, where he was welcome in the five-star accommodation.I cannot think of one restaurant in Malta that welcomes pets – the couple I know of are outdoors,” Ms Camilleri lamented.

“These situations just put you off going to certain places, whereas if they allowed dogs, I would be encouraged to go.

“I would not take my dog everywhere just for the sake of it. But if you’re running an errand with your pet, it gets inconvenient.”

Last summer, the enforcement of a law banning dogs from swimmers’ zones for hygienic purposes was met with public uproar. The same law bans domestic pets from sandy beaches. Dogs also face restrictions in public gardens.

But the government is creating a play park in Ta’ Qali for furry friends, with benches for their owners. “I think people do not realise dogs are so beneficial to humans. Cody makes me take time out, which is so important,” Ms Camilleri said.

Fortunately, the eight-year-old mixed breed sat patiently outside the post office and did not run away.

Perhaps he knew that the parcel contained his new leather collar, which had come all the way from Australia.