“The situation has become ridiculous and untenable”

As much as they love animals, volunteers are often forced to step in to cover the gaps that the public service cannot handle.

“People call Animal Welfare for a rescue, and, after being refused, end up calling us,” Borg said. “Some say they can’t get through… the responsiveness is a joke, for sure.”

Borg will often have to pull any strings she can to find someone to perform the rescue and get the stray indoors. Though critical of those who dropped the ball, she was full of praise for those officers within Animal Welfare who do a good job.

“But why don’t they all do that, and why don’t they all answer the calls? Why can’t they trap a cat? Why do we have to do their work? After all, they are getting paid for it.”

On the topic of funds, the recent voucher scheme – that everyone agrees is a step in the right direction – only showed what a serious problem the issue of handling strays really is.

“€5,000 will not neuter near as many animals as one would think. That would cover around 70 females and 70 males. And they were only giving five vouchers for neutering to each feeder – some of us neuter over 20 cats per week alone…”

Indeed, a cursory view of feeders’ social media pages shows that oftentimes, when authorities can’t handle a stray, the feeder will take them in, with the hope of fostering or getting it adopted.

And when they don’t, the animal will often end up staying at the feeders – and the strays can pile up quicker than you’d expect, especially with how many there are in Malta.

Over the last week, the issue of Animal Welfare’s ambulances lacking air conditioning led to a public outcry online; today, Lovin Malta is informed that the Animal Welfare Directorate is renting two vehicles with A/C as a result of the public pressure.

“They knew summer was coming, and that the heat would impact ill animals. Imagine yourself in the back of a van, in a crate with no windows at all, no ventilation,” Borg said. “Imagine the heat on the outside, let alone inside…”

She had some strong words for Animal Rights Minister Anton Refalo, who she said was “not fit to be in that position.”

“He doesn’t want to listen to animal activists,” she said, recounting a meeting with him where all he did was “play on his phone the entire time”.

“And remember when he had bought that French Bulldog? After the media reported it, he ended up giving the dog back to the breeder – he knew it was wrong to buy a dog when we are all struggling to find homes.”

Though Malta’s Animal Commissioner may be putting pressure on certain areas and industries in a move towards a less cruel approach to food, Maxine feels that, overall, the authorities aren’t listening to the people.

“It is getting worse, unfortunately. Nobody seems to listen to our cries. Imagine having your living room turned into a mini-sanctuary with Animal Welfare’s kittens? Yes, we do it because our love for animals is too large. This is the reason why I continue to help Animal Welfare… because I know they are struggling. And if they are struggling, their animals will do too.”

“It’s a constant battle everyday.”

Do you have an experience with strays in Malta that you’d like to share? Contact hello@lovinmalta or [email protected] to speak in confidence