What is happening? Is it Malta that is changing? Or are we just finding more things out, that previously were swept under the carpet without a second thought being given?

I am referring to the case of the Pharoah Hounds which were bound and dumped in the sea off Gozo. It has only been a week or so since Star’s death provoked an outpouring of sympathy, and at the same time, anger.

Society in general has responded to the increasing number (or discovery) of animal cruelty cases. The Government has also responded by setting up the efficient and dedicated Animal Welfare Department, while many NGOs are also pushing hard for reform. The government has also sought to push educational programmes among children at school, and this is no doubt helping.

But the only way that things are going to improve, and drastically, is by increasing the penalties in court for people found guilty of such crimes.

Granted, the courts have begun to impose harsher penalties. But some cases deserve nothing less than an incarceration term. Prison and a hefty fine is the only language that some of these people will understand. We have a problem. No matter how many animal lovers there are on this island, unless we make it a grave crime, punishable by stiff prison terms, such cases will only continue.

■ Joseph Grech

Mosta