With reference to Virtù Ferries’ reply to my letter regarding dogs (October 24), but also other pets, travelling on the Malta/Pozzallo catamaran, I should like to point out the following:

1. I did not suggest that dogs should travel with other passengers but in a secluded area, even on deck, where two dogs at a time, and not a pack of dogs, kept in their carriers, can stay in the company of their owners.

2. As regards health, safety and hygiene, dogs travel with both their passport and their sanitary book in which all the vaccinations needed are written down and checked on entering Malta, which is more than can be said of humans. Besides, I repeat, that such dogs are locked in their carriers and, therefore, cannot constitute “safety” problems.

3. As for the garage, the temperature might not reach 40°C but the “spacious” garage is usually filled up with enormous trucks, which do not allow much air to circulate.

4. The fact that the “majority of passengers travelling with dogs do not complain” is no excuse because it is well known that they are, in fact, “the silent majority” and, most frequently, they tend to side with the most powerful party.

5. Regarding maritime laws, I and many friends of mine know of, and have even travelled on, ships that allow dogs on board with their owners. Such shipping lines, unfortunately, do not reach Malta. Pets are even allowed to travel on planes where, obviously, the space is much more limited, always, of course, if the dogs are in their carriers or cages.

6. Finally, Virtù Ferries completely ignore the fact that, for animal lovers, pets are like childreN. Not only are they kept clean and healthy but they also suffer terribly when left alone, especially in an alien place even if for 90 minutes which, taking into account embarkation and disembarkation procedures, become much more.