The RSPCA in Gozo, as marshaled under the committed guidance of Ms Betty Barry, has been achieving a lot for stray animals in Gozo, despite the daunting odds. Due to the lack of adequate facilities, Ms Barry has had to house a large number of feral cats and dogs in her own house in Munxar. It is inconceivable as to how this NGO is still in need of proper facilities from which to operate. Such facilities need to be properly sited in order to be easily accessible to all those who resort to the RSPCA for their services. Let's frame this necessity within the Eco-Gozo concept since animal welfare is an important cornerstone.

There is a dire need for European legislation, which addresses companion animal welfare issues. Pets in Europe (PIE) is a group of European organisations whose interest is the welfare of companion animals. The organisations represent a wide range of companion animal interests.

The aim of Pets in Europe is to obtain the adoption of legislation at the European Union level, recognising and enforcing the fact that keepers of companion animals have a duty of care towards them.

Pets in Europe is concerned by the lack of a ‘European' focus on companion animal welfare. The European Commission's commitment towards the development of a European Animal Welfare Strategy is to be applauded, but the concern is that the basic concentration will remain on farm animals and research animals.

While the European focus on those farm animals is understandable, a strategy to take forward the health and welfare of companion animals should have a higher priority within Europe than it does currently, especially in terms of new legislation.

Not only does the European Community need to consider the implications of the ethical problems that arise in the face of wide-spread animal cruelty in certain Member States, but also the effect that the various health, economic and social benefits associated with pet ownership will have on the betterment of the overall community.

As companion animal welfare legislation across Member States is far from achieving homogeneity due to differing national priorities and cultural constraints, European institutions need to step in in order to ensure coherent approaches to pet welfare, as well as encourage responsible pet ownership.