The Xemxija Dogs

The media recently reported that two dogs were taken from a house in Xemxija by the Animal Welfare Department, backed up by the Police. The dogs were allegedly put to sleep within hours without the owner being notified. The Animal Welfare Department are claiming they were following Police orders. The Police are denying this saying they never asked for the dogs to be put down, but rather for the dogs to be kept somewhere safe pending judicial hearing for a previous case where another dog owned by the same owner had killed another dog. Dr. Spiteri, head of the Animal Welfare Department, went as far as saying that this was a frame up by the Police. The owner of the two dogs is said to be seeking legal action.

This case has generated a multitude of reactions from the public, as one can see from public forums. Some have argued that the dogs should never have been put down without the knowledge of the owner while others have fully backed up the decision to have them destroyed. There were comments questioning the aggressiveness of these particular two dogs, and if the Police entered the premises without their owner, then they were bound to show aggression, seeing they were guard dogs.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. What I found very disappointing were comments claiming that these dogs where genetically aggressive, especially one of them as it was a Pit bull-mix. Can we not go into the issue of breeds being aggressive? Research over the years has shown that Pit bulls are no more dangerous then the average family dog. Unfortunately, the media has always depicted these breeds, and several other breeds as vicious. Something they are not, especially towards humans. Male dogs may show dog to dog aggression, especially if female dogs are about, but this is quite common in several other breeds. They do not have locking jaws, as several sources seem to report. The only reason, a Pit bull jaw causes so much damage is because it is a large jaw, and it will cause no more damage then another dog’s of the same size and built.

Someone went as far as saying that all attacks were made by large dogs. Please! Where have you been living throughout the past few years? I dare say, small dog attacks are as common as large dog attacks. You only need to go to the nearest Health Clinic to find out. Smaller dog attacks are less reported, for obvious reasons, and of course the media generates more hype over a large dog mauling, especially if this involves a so called dangerous breed.

I think it is about time we grew up and admitted what really causes aggressive dogs and dog attacks. This has nothing to do with dogs being of a particular size or breed. It has to do with responsible ownership, socialisation and being able to control one’s own dog. Some people aren’t fit to own a goldfish, never mind a dog. There is more to owning a dog then feeding it and taking it for a daily walk. Maybe it’s about time our authorities did something about this. Maybe it is about time breed specific legislation was abolished and authorities made it mandatory for anyone owning a dog to take it to obedience classes as a puppy. This at least creates some sort of control by the owner over the dog.

All this of course has nothing to do with the mentioned case… None of the dogs put to sleep had any history of attacks!

The World Dog Show right in the Heart of Europe

The World Dog Show, scheduled to be held between the 8^th and 11^th October 2009, has attracted over 20 000 dogs this year, and rightly so. Set in the picturesque city of Bratislava in Slovakia, this year’s venue is not only easily accessible from most countries in Europe but also close to many sights normally visited by tourist.

Situated on the Danube river, Bratislava borders Austria and Hungary, two very culturally diverse countries, giving it a unique culture, perhaps as unique as its panoramic views. It is ideally situated for anyone wanting to take the opportunity and get away from the usual routine for a quick break, with the added advantage of entering the dogs into one of the World’s most prestigious canine events, and maybe who knows, even win a title…. or two. Besides the World dog show in fact, the week is packed with circuit shows, giving the exhibitors the chance to title their dogs with the Slovakian championship while on this visit to Slovakia.

For those interested in the Obedience aspect of dogs, the World Dog Show, will also be hosting The World Championship in Obedience held at the same venue during the same dates.

Maltese Delegates at the KC Symposium in London

Two Maltese Delegates were among some fifty delegates from around the world attending The International Symposium on the Dog on the 6^th and 7^th July 2009. Several notable speakers were present for the symposium among whom were Profs. Jeff Sampson, a senior scientific advisor, Dr. Francesca Martini, Vice-Minister of Labour and Health in the Italian Cabinet. Mr Frank Borg and Miss Leeandra Mizzi attended the symposium on behalf of the Maltese National Canine Federation, one of the main bodies taking care of canine matters on the island.

The symposium which was held at The Kennel Club premises in London saw delegates from America, Canada and India as well as several European counter parts discussing issues such as canine genetics, law and responsible ownership, as well as health and function of dogs. The first day, saw delegates discussing the contribution of dogs towards our society, while on the second day, focus shifted towards genetics and breeding and how breeding can be improved to make sure these dogs are ‘fit for function and fit for life’, a slogan adopted a few months ago by the UK kennel Club. Talks on laws about dog ownership were also held.

The symposium came to an end with the official opening of an arts exhibition entitled Pets and Prizewinners, an exhibition depicting the development of Victorian and Edwardian canine art. During the opening ceremony of the exhibition, the Maltese delegation where also presented with a trophy by The Kennel Club chairman, Mr. Ronnie Irvine to mark their 10^th Anniversary since the foundation of the Federation. The trophy, which belonged to the late Dr. Michael Stockman will be awarded to the Best in Show winner during the Federation’s championship show which will be held on the 13^th and 14^th December 2009 at the Cottonera Sports Complex. Further information on this show or on the Federation may be obtained by calling 21234916

Fox Terrier goes BIS at Cottonera Sports Complex

The 18th and 19th April '09 marked the last show for the season for the Malta Canine Society before breaking off for a summer break. Yet another show, impeccably organised which saw Mr. Ernie Patterson judge almost 250 dogs.

Best in Show went to the Wire Haired Fox Terrier, Eng. CH. Travella Special Feature, a new comer to the Maltese show rings, but very well known in the breed in the UK. Reserve Best in Show was Ch. Switherland Royal Ruler at Danadri, quite well known in the Maltese Show rings. Best puppy in Show was won by the locally bred Boxer, Galray Woodstock Rio Sid Rock, while Reserve Best Puppy in Show went to the Boston Terrier, imported from Finland, Barocco at Deniro. The Best locally bred for this show was Danadri Black Amethyst. 

The show was also highlighted by the presentation of an award to Mr. V. Calleja, the society's Vice-Treasurer, for 30 years of service to the committee. 

AAA Founder and President Removed

Mr. Freddie Fenech and allegations of misappropriate use of donated funds continue to dominate the news in Malta. The latest being, the removal of Mr. Fenech from his position as the association's President.

Freddie was in fact unanimously voted out of the committee by the five members present for an extraordinary general meeting which took place at the Animal Welfare Department. Present for the meeting was also the association's lawyer Dr. C. Stafrace Zammit, who said that Mr. Fenech aswell as the other two committee members were officially notified of the meeting but chose not to attend. Mr. Fenech allegedly did not attend the association's meeting due to him feeling uncomfortable and unsafe, since he did not know what the meeting was about. Dr. Stafrace Zammit denied this saying, the agenda was sent to all members of the committee, including Mr. Fenech and the other two committee members. In the meantime, the present committee have said that they will meet in one month's time to approve the new statute and elect the new president. 

The police are still investigating

A Sad day for Rescue in Malta

Mr. Freddie Fenech founder of A.A.A. made headlines last week, following allegations of fraud by five of his helpers at the Sanctuary. Backed by the Director of the Animal  Welfare department in Malta, Mr. Mario Spiteri, the volonteers filed a report claiming that Mr. Fenech cannot account for several thousands of Euros donated to him. Further more, they are also claiming cruelty to animals and threats. Mr. Fenech has denied all the accusations and said he will be taking legal actions to clear his name. In the meantime, the police are investigating.

Mr. Fenech, a former CID officer, established the association back in 1979, and throughout the years was seen on the media bringing to light acts of cruelty while rescueing animals mainly dogs. His most recent rescue in fact involved the rescueing of three starving puppies found together with a number of dog carcasses in a former lepers hospital in Gharghur. Recent studies by a qualified vet have however shown that the alleged dog carcasses were in fact carcasses of sheep and goats, giving the impression that this was a set up public relations act. 

Cat Walk Dogs

The last weekend of March 2009, was a very special weekend for The Maltese Ladies Kennel Association who celebrated their 10^th Anniversary since their foundation. This special occasion was marked by a Championship show, judged  by one of the top judges in the UK, Mrs. Liz Cartledge.

It was a dog show with a twist however. While the breed judging was done at the usual venue – The Cottonera Sports Complex spread over a Saturday afternoon and a Sunday morning, the climax of activity took place at a leading 5 star hotel in St Julians. The group and Best in Show judging took place during a buffet dinner on a …. CATWALK.

There was an entry of well over 200 dogs for this competition. Best in Show was won by D. Sant Fournier’s Pekingese Livanda Giovani,  while Reserve Best in Show was Calleja & Ciappara’s Alaskan Malamute, Am. Int CH. Sno Quest King of Landwood. The Best Puppy in show winner was a Beagle owned by Mr. N. Borg called Beagle di Fonte Posca, while Reserve was Mr. R. Galea’s Boxer Galray Woodstock Rio Sid Rock.

The Maltese Ladies Kennel Association (MLKA) was founded in 1999 and was in itself a founder member of The Maltese National Canine Federation (MNFC), which is one of the main bodies issuing Pedigrees and registrations for dogs on the island. The next show to be organized by one of the associations within the MNCF is going to be held at the Cottonera Sports Complex on the 18^th and 19^th April 2009 and is being organized by the Malta Canine Society.