It is because of Mr Franco Farrugia’s pompous “tone of letter” in Answers expected from SPCA (TMID, 8 September) that I am “pronouncing myself”, to use his own phrases.

The SPCA suffered collateral damage when the MLP recently mounted a meaningless attack on WasteServ. In order to create the greatest possible public alarm, they depicted the SPCA as some kind of abattoir, endlessly churning out “dog carcasses”, as they crudely put it. In his own naïve way, Mr Farrugia is also an unknowing victim of this propaganda, manipulated and used without even being aware of it. The SPCA is a voluntary organisation run by a dedicated committee elected by its members during the annual general meetings where policies are openly reviewed and discussed. As it happens, the current policy regarding stray animals is similar to that of the British RSPCA, of which the local society is an associate.

“The RSPCA is opposed to the euthanasia of fit and healthy animals. The RSPCA nevertheless accepts, with great reluctance, that in certain circumstances, euthanasia may be necessary, in particular in the case of stray or unwanted animals for which appropriate homes are not available and which would therefore endure long-term suffering through deprivation of basic needs. The RSPCA will continue to strive for a future where putting down fit and healthy animals will be unnecessary. Euthanasia is forced on the RSPCA by irresponsible ownership” (RSPCA Policies on Animal Welfare, Horsham, UK, 2006). Unlike the SPCA president, I do not know how to be tactful so I will be blunt. If Mr Farrugia really wants to help animals then, rather than putting whining “pen to paper” he should go down to the SPCA Home in Floriana to see how he can help. People do have a right to their opinion – however misinformed it might be – but I do get annoyed with those who want to dictate how the SPCA should run its affairs, while not contributing anything themselves to the association. For the record, I am proud to be an SPCA member but am not on the committee and have no personal interest in defending the administration of the society.

Antoine Vella

Balzan