These past few days we have read that dog carcasses are being dumped at the Sant’ Antnin Waste Treatment Plant in Marsascala. To prove this, an internet newspaper shows damning video clips and photos of an SPCA vehicle arriving at the plant and throwing “white bags”, presumably containing dog carcasses, into a hole in the ground, known as the hopper.

It is not my intention to speak about the hygienic peril of such practice.

What really disgusts me, what absolutely nauseates me, is the total lack of dignity surrounding the end of a noble animal that is a dog, or any other animal.

When an animal dies, it should be either buried or, preferably, incinerated. It should not be disposed of with other rubbish, simply because it is not rubbish.

Without in any way putting the SPCA in a bad light – so far – this association needs to answer a few questions from animal-lovers and those who, like me, dedicate a lot of time looking after animals, in Malta, mainly:

Why is it that the video-clips and the photos available show so many white sacks filled with animal carcasses? Why are there so many journeys to the plants? How many dogs are being put to sleep at the SPCA?

Is the SPCA not aware that there does exist, in fact, an animal incinerator that belongs to an animal sanctuary in the south of the island – Island Sanctuary, based in Tas-Silg? Why is it that the SPCA is not choosing this method to dispose of animal remains?

It is up to the authorities to ensure that in Malta, and in Gozo, there are the means of disposing of animal remains in a dignified manner. This incinerator should be at the disposal not only of government entities as well as NGOs, but also the general public who have pets which, at the end of their lives, deserve a dignified and humane method of disposal.

Through the letter-pages of various newspapers, I have continually been harping on about the need for proper legislation and the implementation of animal-friendly regulations and laws, which include the availability of animal cremation – but so far, my words have fallen on deaf ears. We long to see the day when our Members of Parliament will regard this matter as a priority and direct the necessary funds to this end. After all, some Lm100,000 has been found in order to develop a skating rink of sorts at Tal-Qroqq, so how about channelling the money necessary to upgrade – create, rather – an animal-friendly environment in Malta and Gozo?

Franco Farrugia

Pietà