The Island Sanctuary Association joined the Gozo SPCA in condemning the brutal and senseless killing of three tal-fenek dogs in Gozo earlier this week.

Irrespective of breed or monetary value, no dog should have to suffer so, the association said. Man’s best friend often gets a raw deal, and, although the law in Malta is supposed to protect animals, the punishments meted out so far have been nothing short of a joke.

Would it be too much to hope that, this time, should the perpetrators ever be caught, a suitable punishment would be given, the association asked.