The Maltese National Canine Federation read with interest the article recently published in several newspapers and web portals about the Shetland Sheepdog that was recently imported and allegedly left longer than necessary waiting in the scorching sun, before eventually being transported to the quarantine section where it will spend the next 21 days until it can finally go home.

This is not the first time that we heard of similar experiences from our various members who import dogs from abroad. These dogs are left in their cages throughout the entire flight, and most airlines require that the dogs are in their travelling crates at least two hours prior to the flight so that the necessary arrangements can be made. Luckily, most airports and airlines throughout the world have strict guidelines and these dogs are usually kept in air-conditioned rooms under adequate temperatures. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for when the dog reaches our island. Most dogs are required to travel in the cargo section together with luggage, and sadly they are at time treated as such.

As a Federation, we condemn any act of animal cruelty, especially if this could have been avoided. In our opinion, leaving an animal in the scorching sun denotes an act of animal cruelty which should be punished. An act, which could have easily been avoided by unloading the dog and transporting it to the quarantine section as soon as possible. As an association, we would like to call on Air Malta to investigate this case and see why it took so long to transport the animal to the required section. We are also proposing that clear guidelines and regulations are issued for the personnel so that no dog has to go through the same experience endured by this dog.

We hope that our plea does not fall on deaf ears, and that something is done as soon as possible.

Leeandra Mizzi

Secretary & PRO

Maltese National Canine Federation