It takes a Hooligan to front the stray animal cause. The message in the local rapper’s jingle is that neutering and microchipping of dogs does not only have health benefits, but is also a matter of love and respect for pets. He hopes their owners will follow his lead.
What inspired you to choose to headline Dogs Trust’s free neutering and microchipping campaign, which has been extended to February and March?
My love of animals; dogs being my favourites. I am always open to new experiences in my career and this has certainly been one of them.
How important do you consider the neutering and microchipping of animals to be? How does it avoid health and behavioural problems?
This has to be a general effort from all pet owners to further reduce the number of unwanted puppies and strays, where most end up homeless or abused. Also neutered dogs are healthier, they behave better and are more focused on training. As for chipping, this is useful when a dog is lost, stolen, or has run away; it’s much easier to return them to their owners.
What do you feel for unwanted puppies and stray dogs?
I feel like I should help somehow, so I encourage people to adopt strays and unwanted dogs. I feel sorry for them and it’s not the first time I’ve ended up feeding them. It is not fair that this could have been prevented but wasn’t.
Your music often has a socially conscious theme, targeting violence and drug abuse. Where do animals fit into the picture and is it the first time you’ve embraced this cause?
This is my first time, yes. When I was approached by Dogs’ Trust, I immediately loved the idea because it’s something I believe in. For me, it was easy to understand and create what Dogs’ Trust was after.
What’s the message you wanted to convey in the video you released with the jingle?
The idea behind the video was that, as a responsible owner, I have neutered and microchipped my dog and I am trying to lead by example. I hope dog owners will follow my lead.
How far do you think the public is from being educated about animal welfare, and how effective do you think you can be through your rap music?
Music has no age. Promoting the campaign through music is the best way to reach everyone from all walks of life. I think dog owners will listen to what we are trying to say.
What hurts you most when it comes to animal welfare?
Pet owners’ lack of responsibility. I also feel that the authorities should engage themselves more in this issue, especially in educating people on how to take care of their pets.
If you could do absolutely anything for animals, what would it be?
I would like to see animal charities being valued more than they are as they do priceless work. Their fundraising initiatives are too often ignored, so I think a yearly event, aiming to raise funds would help them carry on their work. Harsher penalties for animal cruelty are something also worth considering.
Tell us about your own pet.
I have a five-year-old female Pug, named Wana. She was only five weeks old when I got her and it’s unbelievable how fast they learn when they are still puppies. Besides the love she shows, she has become part of the family.
How would you define responsible ownership?
Taking care of your pets because they cannot take care of themselves, such as by neutering and microchipping them to be healthier and live longer; training and exercising them daily; feeding them healthy food and clean water; keeping them in a clean place; and last but not least, keeping them company.
Any advice to anyone about to home a stray, or buy a pet?
Buying encourages breeding and breeding produces more unwanted puppies, and we don’t want that. For those who truly love animals and can look after them, my advice is to adopt a shelter animal, or home a stray. For others who have difficulty keeping a dog at home because they live in an apartment, do not have a garden, or work long hours, they can consider sponsoring a dog, or volunteering.
• More information on Dogs Trust’s nationwide campaign can be obtained by calling on 2142 1500; 7771 1100; or e-mailing office@dogstrustmalta.com.