The decision to allow dog owners to use a number of public beaches this summer has proved to be annoying, unhygienic and downright illogical, to say the least.
While the Malta Tourism Authority and Nature Trust are daily providing us with statistics about the newly acquired high standards on our beaches, we give in to insane requests by dog lobbyists who egoistically enjoy going to the beach with their four-legged friends.
I can only speak of what is taking place at Selmun Bay, or Mġiebaħ. I have no information on other localities. Here, this most beautiful of sandy beaches in Malta has been transformed into a pigsty. Men’s best friend has fouled it to the point that laying down a beach mat or towel anywhere is greeted with the stink of dog urine.
Some people turn up with three dogs, sometimes more. Do not risk venturing into the water leaving your beach gear behind. It’s going to be sprinkled upon. I have seen it happen many times. Sometimes over and over. Everyone knows what dogs do.
Sadly, I have witnessed many first-time visitors, mostly foreign, unaware of what goes on at this beach. Meanwhile, young children play in the filthy sand and the contents of unattended lunch boxes are devoured.
I firmly believe that these concessions were given hastily based on a false premise that dogs enjoy swimming, when, in fact, only a small minority take to the water of their own free will. The vast majority abhor the water, and swimming even induces diarrhoea in certain breeds. I have seen this happen.
To compound matters, there is absolutely no form of code of ethics or some kind of enforcement. Leash or no leash. It’s ‘do as you please’.
The authorities should immediately revoke these concessions and provide other solutions and alternatives. I have heard many people complain and vow never to return to the beach.