I’m struggling to believe that in our society, particularly in this century, we are still witnesses to acts of cruelty to animals. I find it too hard to believe that while it’s not difficult to find a house with a dog, a cat, a bird, or what have you, there are still persons who mistreat animals with acts of hate which inflict suffering on defenceless creatures. While it is clear that mankind has the freedom to take care of and enjoy the company of such animals, it should never allow the abuse of their trust or, worse still, indulge in acts which should exist only in lawless and uncivilised countries
It is most reprehensible that an owner of a dog, cat, or any other pet, mistreats or takes advantage of whoever is with him. To my mind there is no doubt that an animal has no soul like us humans. Neither do I believe in the reincarnation of humans into animals, or the other way round. But that does not mean that animals should be treated like mere objects, using them, destroying their existence and disposing of them. This is certainly not something that can be accepted in the modern and balanced society that we have today.
Personally, I grew up in a family where we always had a pet to keep us company. I do certainly appreciate the dedication and love that many people have for animals. When visiting the homes of persons in my constituency, I always come across the most positive experiences involving pets. There are persons who devote most of their time to their animals – intertwining their lives with their pets’. I am always struck by how strong the bond between a pet and its owner can become. And it’s when a pet dies that these feelings come out in the open. Very often, it’s hard to find words of consolation for them, and silence is the best solace.
Over the past few years the government has taken several legal and administrative steps to give better protection to animals. I clearly remember the Animal Welfare Act, which has radically changed this scenario, being debated at the Second Stage and then at Committee Stage in the House of Representatives. What has been achieved in that law was and remains an important foundation in our society – a significant step in the right direction to what we should have as a country which ensures freedom and responsibility. The Animal Welfare Act has been put to work and led us to gain valuable experience in order to have better system of control and protection. This law is in place along with its criminal punishments, but what is required even more is a culture-change.
What has been accomplished so far by my colleague, Minister George Pullicino, in this direction is surely worthy of praise and should continue. His quest to raise awareness on this issue is commendable and I have no doubt that were it not for his constant determination, strong initiatives such as the St Francis Centre for the Protection of Animals would not have become a reality and would not function as effectively as they do. I must say that the place itself, the persons who work there have made a real difference and we should be proud of them. It is an undeniable fact that a good job has been done and is still being done there.
We are a country with a big heart, no doubt, but unfortunately we still witness cases of neglect, carelessness, mistreatment, and cruelty being inflicted on these innocent animals. Enforcement has increased; and kindly allow me to put in a word of praise for the work carried out by our police force in this direction. There is no doubt that it will remain, but there is the need for more programs, and broadcasts to educate the public.
They are needed to inform and change the mentality and culture of those who unfortunately - maybe out of ignorance - continue to commit such crimes. I join those who deplore such behaviour. But we should agree that there is always room for more responsibility for people to understand that animals should not be treated as objects but with dignity, in direct line with what stems out of our law. We have a duty to ensure that we strengthen this culture and disallow acts of cruelty.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici is Justice and Home Affairs Minister