Claire Borg, B.Psy, third year.

I am in favour of certain reasonable penalties when it comes to animal cruelty. I consider myself to be an animal lover and I abhor the brutality encountered by some animals. I believe more awareness would be beneficial.

Having said that, I think before giving someone a penalty, one should delve into the situation deeply to deem whether the punishment is appropriate or not.

I do not agree that all perpetrators should receive harsher penalties than those being given right now, which I am aware is what a ­number of people think is ­appropriate.

Jennifer Vella, B.Com Management and Banking and Finance, third year.

Any animal lover would agree that the given penalties to those who in any way abuse animals are not at par with the crime committed.

Such brutality should be given much more emphasis and importance. In my opinion, a simple penalty such as a fine is not enough to deter those who find pleasure in causing pain to inferior beings.

The government should intervene and impose new, revised laws which would include harsher penalties, including imprisonment for such atrocious acts.

Francesca Giuliano, BA (Hons) English, third year.

Watching the news lately, it’s hard not to notice the rise in the amount of reported animal cruelty cases. It is also hard to tell whether what is increasing is the cruelty itself or the awareness which leads to its reporting.

It is important to keep in mind that it is still a crime and should be treated as such. Animals should not be viewed as less important than human beings and so a person who tortures and kills an animal should be penalised in the same way as someone who tortures and kills a person.

In my opinion these people are also a threat to society in general.