I would like to reassure Ms Cassar Torreggiani (Come and see for yourself, TMID, 23 August) that I never meant any disrespect to the SPCA or that I doubted the good work being done. On the contrary, I am very aware of the positive developments that the centre has carried out these past years – having been a member myself in the past.

In fact, my main distress has been at the unceremonious way that dogs are disposed of and, most alarming, the high number of dogs being put to sleep, since this means that, despite everything, the public is not educated enough about the escalating problem of abandoned and stray animals in Malta.

Thus, now that this issue has re-surfaced, the SPCA should use this opportunity to publicise its good work and pave the way for more educational campaigns, although understandably the centre has its budget limitations and ultimately depends a lot on its sponsors.

While I do agree that, unfortunately, in Malta investigative journalism is used more for propaganda than for any altruistic purposes, we do have to admit that, at times, through this form of “tactless promotion”, certain problems do come to light and hopefully prompt higher authorities to (maybe) take action. Regrettably, the powers-that-be have not been that cooperative these past years, not having done much to improve animal welfare on our island, though promises have been made – especially whenever a minister sees a camera or a journalist.

For example, on foreign TV channels, we often see short advertising clips related to animal welfare and the abandonment of pets – adverts that are usually sponsored by the relevant ministry. But in Malta, we have never seen any form of visual or printed advertising for the general public.

Apart from advertising, schoolchildren should also be targeted for a proper educational and social campaign related to the community’s responsibility towards all animals. This should be undertaken through proper field visits and voluntary work at the SPCA or (maybe) other animal sanctuaries. I’m sure that this could be just as educational and enlightening as trips to museums and the cinema.

Children should be able to experience personally what caring for a dog, cat or any other animal entails, so then they will be able to share this knowledge – even with their families. But most importantly, children should be taught the value of life – that a pet is a living creature and not a toy to be discarded at whim. Thus, hopefully, one fine day we will be able to actually see the fulfilment of the vision that the SPCA and other animal lovers share.

Antoinette Catania

Birkirkara