This refers to the letter titled ‘Ambassadors and pets’ in The Island of Friday January 1, 2010. As the letter identifies the former Ambassador to Italy, there may be confusion as some readers would believe that it was me.

In all fairness to my predecessor, whose dog the letter refers to, I must state that he had made all the necessary arrangements to hand over his pet dog to a friend.

But unfortunately, his friend was delayed and did not arrive on the due date to pick up the pet. An official of the Embassy pounced on this opportunity to tarnish the good name of his former boss. This official, who had access to the former Ambassador’s residence, rushed to the Animal Lovers’ Association, with photographs he had himself taken, and invited them to witness an alleged incident of cruelty to animals.

This story was given wide publicity in the Italian media. However, the former Ambassador’s friend arrived and took possession of the pet. But, this did not stop the schemer. He again roused the Animal Lovers and other authorities, took them to where the pet dog was being cared for and had it taken over from the Ex-Ambassador’s friend’s care. It ended with the poor dog being sent to the Dog Pound, by the authorities, where it was killed.

This just goes to show the level that some official would stoop to in order to tarnish the image of their bosses and in turn that of the country.