Although there has been no discernible increase in the number of abandoned dogs, there is a fear micro-chipping may increase their number, Animal Rights Group spokesperson Myriam Kirmond told Chiara Bonello
Commenting after the news that a very friendly female dog had been rescued in the Marsascala area, last Monday, Ms Kirmond said there could be the risk of those not wanting to abide by the chipping system.
The dog was found cowering, frightened in the middle of the road, with heavy traffic going past, and needs love, attention and a good home. She has been certified as healthy by a vet, and estimated to be about a year old.
Ms Kirmond was quick to emphasise that it is not clear whether the dog was lost or had been abandoned, but she urged its owner to come forth if it has been lost or for a suitable owner to offer to home the dog, as ARG can only keep it for some days.
Although there have always been dogs on the streets in the past, Ms Kirmond said they were finding that their number may have increased somewhat recently.
Their concern is that the chipping system might mean that dog owners who do not want to abide by the new system may dump their dogs before it is implemented, she explained, adding that people have reservations about most changes.
The fact is that with the introduction of micro-chipping, if a dog is lost its owner can be traced, but similarly it can also be decided if it has been dumped, which is a deterrent for some people.
Unfortunately dogs on roofs and in garages remain a reality to be dealt with, and for people who keep their dogs in this way, the chipping may seem an extra cost, she said.
Although these dogs may have shade and water, this is far from enough, as there are other factors to contend with, such as burnt paws and lack of air, she explained, adding that ARG is completely against such treatment of animals.
She urged anyone who knows of dogs being kept in such conditions to report them, as this is cruel.
It is extra cruel when these dogs are abandoned in the scorching summer months, Ms Kirmond said, more so in the case of bitches, which can get pregnant if they have not been neutered.
Furthermore if the dogs are not physically injured when they are found, the Animal Welfare Department will not take them in, Ms Kirmond said, adding that this is not right as they may still be run over or be hurt in other ways.
She emphasised the need for a specific department to be set up, in order to collect such animals and look into re-homing them, and to look into stopping such abandonment of animals.
The new bathing regulations are another concern, she went on, as this will create a worry among owners that their dogs cannot be taken to swim, causing further problems.
There should also be higher penalties and better enforcement for those who are caught fouling the area, she said.
The question is where we can take the poor animals, Ms Kirmond said, emphasising that there should be some areas which are delineated as dog areas, where dogs and their owners can go.