3 Maltese dog rescuers to drive 15 “overlooked dogs” overland from Malta to Ireland

by Gozo News · December 2, 2025

In a mission driven by determination, sacrifice and compassion, three Maltese women Althea Galea, Rosaria Gerada of Our Rescues Foundation, and Claire Mifsud will embark on a 3,500km overland journey from Malta to Ireland on the 10th of December, personally transporting 15 “overlooked dogs,” many of them bully breeds who have waited far too long for a real chance at life.

Both Rosaria Gerada and Althea Galea have been working together since 2023, relocating dogs who have no future in Malta. Their work has already saved dozens of animals who would otherwise remain stuck in overcrowded kennels.

Rescuer Rosaria Gerada said that she took a life-changing decision for the sake of abandoned Maltese dogs.

She sold everything she owned in Malta to purchase land and a home in Ireland – a purpose-built safe haven for dogs who have been repeatedly overlooked, especially bull breeds and long-stay rescues.

Rosaria said that in 2023 she completed her first major relocation mission, transporting 20 dogs and 10 cats from Malta to Ireland.

Since then, she has continued sending smaller groups with licensed transporters. Our Rescues Foundation does not have its own kennels in Malta.

Rosaria explained that this means that all rescued dogs must be kept in private boarding kennels, which come at a significant financial cost.

These ongoing expenses combined with medical care, food, and transport place a continuous strain on the rescue’s resources, making relocation missions like this essential to free up space and save more dogs.

The Foundation said that the dogs chosen for this journey include:

Long-stay dogs from the Animal Welfare Government Kennels

Bull breeds with medical issues

Dogs who have been through trauma and are not ready for adoption

Dogs who are fully ready for homes but are overlooked because of their size or breed

To ensure the dogs travel safely and calmly, the team said they will take an overland route:

1. Malta – Sicily (ferry)

2. Sicily – Palermo – Genoa (overnight ferry)

3. Drive through Italy – Switzerland -France

4. France – Ireland (final ferry crossing)

Dogs will then go to the Our Rescues sanctuary in Ireland .

The team stated that “this mission is currently self-funded.” They added that public support will directly cover: