Gozo SPCA calls for 24/7 Gozitan Animal Welfare Service
Voluntary organisation Gozo SPCA is calling for the setting up of a 24/7 Gozitan Animal Welfare Service. Gozo SPCA rescues and shelters abandoned and stray animals and works closely with Animal Welfare Gozo.
Last Sunday, Gozo SPCA had to go and check on a cat which was hit by a car, and which unfortunately did not survive the accident, leading the voluntary group to point out how there is no emergency cover available from Animal Welfare Gozo and just as Malta has a 24/7 Animal Welfare service, “Gozo deserves the same.”
Speaking to The Malta Independent Gozo SPCA commented how, “In Malta there are at least two animal ambulances on call 24/7, whilst in Gozo there is one animal ambulance and is generally only on all in office hours,” explained a spokesperson from Gozo SPCA.”
The NGO explained how, in Gozo, there is no vet open 24/7 but all vets provide as much as possible an emergency service when possible.
“Animal Welfare in Gozo needs to have its animal ambulance available 24/7, the same as in Malta and that the vet needs to be on call 24/7,” the Gozo SPCA insisted.
The group thanked the work that Animal Welfare Gozo has done, yet believe that much more can be done.
The Ministry for Gozo, meanwhile, is currently waiting for approval from PS&D in the Office of the Prime Minister to operate on a shift basis so as that animal welfare service is delivered 24/7 Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana explained.
Speaking to this newsroom, Caruana commented on the issue, “The unit is at its inception and we are gradually adding onto the services that we have. We upgraded facilities, invested in new ambulances, embarked on several initiatives like adopt a pet, pet friendly holidays, neutering campaigns and services for cats and dogs, along with other awareness campaigns and recently also pet therapy.”
This year up to the end of September, the Animal Welfare Services has handled 876 emergency calls, out of which 626 saw animals being admitted for veterinary services. 209 surgeries were carried out.