Recently there were three stray dogs in the streets of Msida. I saw that one of them was heavily pregnant and I tried to call someone to help as it was a couple of days before New Year's Eve.

I tried to call the SPCA, which was closed. Then I tried Freddie Fenech of AAA, who said he was unable to come then but would call me back; I'm still waiting for his call. I then called my veterinarian who gave me Rennie Scicluna's number. I called him and he said he would come over that evening, which he did.

He told me he would keep an eye out for the dog and if he managed to catch her he would take her to be neutered; however, he could not take her on permanently, since he was already facing court proceedings for having too many dogs in his care, so he would see who could take her on.

What angers me about situations like this is that it's very hard to get any of the animal organisations to help when you actually need them. SPCA should have a 24-hour emergency number, but the problem is that even when they are open they will very rarely come out to help.

As for the AAA, whenever I called the person in charge he always gave an excuse for being unable to come, and always promised to call back but never did. I understand that he must get many calls and I do believe he loves animals; however if one cannot be of direct help, one could offer other solutions, as Rennie died.

I never found help from these organisations when I needed them. I think public donations should go to those who go out of their way to help. I think it is disgraceful that animal welfare is so neglected by the Government. Just because animals do not have a voice does not mean they should suffer neglect and torture.