My wife and I visited Mdina, generally regarded as one of the jewels in Malta’s crown.

As a regular visitor to Malta since the early 1970s I was appalled to see the amount of dog fouling left on the streets and, especially, outside the entrance to the Palazzo de Piro restaurant. The city attracts numerous visitors. Surely such an important centre piece could employ street cleaners?

Of course, the problem isnot confined to Mdina. It is widespread. Dog owners who fail to clear up after their charges clearly have no pride in their island.

Those who are caught doing so should face hefty fines or lengthy community service sentences cleaning streets after being named and shamed.

It is time to clean up your act, Malta.