MPs to be petitioned about animal cruelty

The Association for Abandoned Animals will be presenting a petition to parliament in the coming weeks calling on MPs to take a strong stand against those who abuse animals.

"Cases of animal abuse are spiralling out of control and we are appealing to the authorities to take firm action by imposing hefty fines and imprisonment on animal abusers," association chairman Alfred Fenech said.

Mr Fenech said that in the past months the situation had deteriorated and he was receiving an average of 70 calls a day from people reporting cases of cruelty or abandoned animals.

"Dogs are being abandoned very often, deserted after being maltreated by their owners. When they are discovered they are malnourished and look like walking skeletons," he said.

Mr Fenech hoped that the petition would spur MPs to focus on what was going on across the country and take action in the light of such cruelty.

Mr Fenech was yesterday speaking at the Manhattan restaurant in Ta' Xbiex where he launched an animal awareness week which will run between Monday and November 23.

Apart from raising awareness about animal abuse, the activity is also intended to raise money for the association in its drive to rescue and help animals in need.

The event is being organised with the help of restaurant owner Anne Jenkins, who came forward to help the association.

During animal awareness week, Ms Jenkins will be donating 10 per cent of all the takings on each meal.

Mr Fenech said the petition would be placed at the entrance of the restaurant so that whoever wanted to sign could do so freely, even if they did not plan to dine there.

Throughout the week patrons dining at the Manhattan will be treated to entertainment by musicians who will be donating their time towards the cause.

Every night members of the association will be present to discuss cases of animal cruelty, show photos and raise awareness about this problem.

"A pet is for life and you cannot just decide to abandon it when the novelty wears off," Mr Fenech said.

Mr Fenech said that as an association they tried to re-home abandoned animals. However, this was not an easy task and when no new owner was found the association took in the animal.

"We do take in animals, but cannot cope with all these cases. We are already over the limit," he said.

Mr Fenech said that with the funds raised in this campaign the association would hopefully be in a better position to handle the increasing number of cases.

He also took the opportunity to thank Charles Darmanin & Co., agents of pet foods in Zebbug, for donating a van which the association plans to use as an animal ambulance.

Donations may be sent to PO Box 60, Gzira, or HSBC account number 085063386001.