Five more bays for dogs to swim in

Five more bays have been added to the list of those where bathers can take their dogs for a swim without the risk of being fined. On August 10, Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights Roderick Galdes said that Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq behind the Splash and Fun park, Marsaxlokk at Il-Magħluq, Sliema near the old Chalet, L-Aħrax near the camping site and Marsalforn near the Ta’ Xwejni area had been designated as dog-friendly beaches. The five newly identified ones are: l-Imġiebaħ in Selmun, the upper part of the Mistra bay, Torri l-Abjad and the bays around the boathouses, Rinella in Kalkara and Żonqor Point in Marsascala. A government spokesman said signs displaying pet-owners’ duties will be installed at each. Dogs have to be kept on a leash when not in the water and owners must collect faeces in a bag and throw it away in special bins. Asked about fines imposed for taking a dog to other areas and not the designated ones, the spokesman said there was a fine for first-time offenders which was not less than €232.94 and could go up to €4,658.75, with imprisonment if the case was considered severe. For second time offenders the punishment ranges from €465.87 to €11,646 in a fine, and from...