Dozens Of Cats And Dogs Around Malta Are Being Poisoned
Disclaimer: This article contains photos of dead animals which some readers might find distressing.
In an effort to fight off rat, snail and slug infestations, some people have been using poison in food that draws in these pests, but is also attractive to dogs and cats. Leaving the poison out in public places has led to a hauntingly long list of devastating pet poisonings, with the problem seemingly spreading all across Malta.
“It’s not about the carelessness of the owners”
“I’d like to avoid anyone for anyone… [we’re] sad we lost him”
People have expressed their disappointment at the fact that more and more dogs and cats have been meeting this horrible fate in Malta, with many worrying for more than just their pets.
Others have taken to social media to vent their anger at the situation, and while losing your pet is a very distressing situation, it can also give rise to a dangerously harsh reaction, that won’t solve anything.
But there’s some hope. Comments on these posts are determined to come up with a solution, and have been pooling all their ideas in trying to reach proposed changes to the system.
According to many comments, the two main roots of these problems appear to stem from the ease of obtaining poison off the shelves, and people not understanding the full repercussions of their desire to see the pests dead.
While many believe these poisonings were unintentional, that also remains a possibility, especially considering stories of animal cruelty continue to surface on social media, that these poisonings are intentional. And if that’s true, it’s extremely distressing to think about.
If you are aware of a case where an animal is being treated cruelly or inappropriately, or if you find an animal injured or dead in Malta, please report it to Animal Welfare Department (+356 22924132 , +356 22924113 and +356 22924247), the MSPCA, the Gozo SPCA, or the Abandoned Animals Association (AAA).
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