As an animal lover, I am appalled at the many cases of animal cruelty in the Maltese Islands which are regularly reported in the local media. These are, of course, the cases we get to know of. Imagine the number of cases of animal cruelty which never see the light of day! Furthermore, the absolutely risible number of persons taken to court over cases of animal cruelty is such that one gets the impression that this serious problem is not being given the attention it merits by the forces of law and order. To be fair, one realizes that such forces are stretched to the limit of their resources combating crime but we cannot go on as we are and something concrete has to be done to stamp out what has become a national disgrace.
Education
We have to start with the very young if we desire to stamp out cruelty to animals. I am aware that in many schools, the love of animals and their welfare is being inculcated in the students through certain subjects in the curriculum as well as through extra-curricular activities. These have to become the norm in our educational system and not the exception. We have to impress on young minds the fact that animals are a beautiful part of creation which we should treasure. We should stress that being cruel to animals denigrates us as human beings. Above all, we have to make children understand that animals also enjoy themselves, feel pain, hunger, thirst and, above all, are so loyal and loving towards those who show them affection.
Despicable Cowards
Persons who harm animals are simply despicable cowards who vent their frustration and anger on innocent creatures and make them suffer. These sadists should be shown no mercy by anyone. I have written many times about the fact that citizens should have the courage to immediately report any cases of animal cruelty that they become aware of. Remember that when a monstrous individual commits an act of cruelty on a defenceless animal and gets away with it, he/she will probably later repeat such an act upon another poor animal. However, the forces of law and order, as I mentioned before, have to do their utmost to take immediate and firm action when citizens report cases of animal cruelty. There is nothing more demoralizing than reporting a case of animal cruelty only to see the perpetrator get away with it scot-free. I would like to ask how it is possible that only five persons were arraigned in court during the first six months of this year on charges of animal cruelty? We regularly read about horrific acts of animal cruelty in Malta and then we get to know that in six months only five persons were arraigned in court! This is simply shameful!
Political Goodwill
The major political parties need to give great importance to the issue of eradicating animal cruelty when drawing up their policies and, especially, in their electoral programmes when the next General Election approaches. Animals have no votes but animal lovers do. I am sure that many potential voters will take into consideration the goodwill shown by any political party which shows that it will really tackle this issue in a serious manner. We also need legislation that imposes heavy punishments on persons found guilty of cases of animal cruelty. Unfortunately, we Maltese seem to learn only through sanctions. It would be salutary to see a couple of cowardly monsters sent to the Corradino Correctional Facility and, then, mark my words, the cases of animal cruelty will decline rapidly. It is the only way to control the sadistic cowards who are disgracing the image of Malta and the Maltese.