12 comments so far.Gozo SPCA to stop taking in dogs and Manager resigns
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The Gozo SPCA have issued a statement announcing the resignation of their Centre Manager, Mrs Betty Berry. The Society have also announced that they will no longer be taking in dogs due to a serious lack of space.
The lack of space at the Gozo SPCA has been a serious long-term problem, however, following over 20 years of of negotiations with the Ministry for Gozo a solution has never been found.
The full text of the Gozo SPCA statement is shown below:
Gozo SPCA reports that the Centre Manager, Mrs Betty Berry, is resigning and that they will no longer be taking in dogs. Last week a puppy was seriously attacked by an older terrier dog, whilst both were in the care of Gozo SPCA. Despite prompt veterinary attention and subsequent nursing, the puppy sadly died from its wounds. Centre Manager Betty Berry is distraught over this death, which should never have happened since it was a direct result of the cramped and unsuitable premises that the Gozo SPCA has struggled to work in for over thirty years.
Because Gozo is a tiny island, any land that is suitable for a new purpose built centre is all owned by the government. For over 20 years, Gozo SPCA has been in constant negotiations with the various officials of the Ministry for Gozo with a view to renting such a plot of land. It is well known that the cost of building the new centre will be met from funds that the SPCA already have. During these negotiations a number of suitable sites have been proposed by the SPCA, but sadly, despite many words of encouragement and promises of help, nothing has ever transpired.
Mrs Berry also sits on the Animal Welfare Council which is drafting the new animal welfare legislation. Within this legislation there are very specific requirements for the construction of animal shelters, none of which are met by the current SPCA premises. One of the many reasons for this legislation is to minimise the possibility of such horrific events occurring. In recognition of this risk Gozo SPCA took steps last year to strictly limit the number of dogs in their care, hoping that this would relieve the situation.
The SPCA and the volunteer helpers are so shocked by this current tragedy that they will no longer subject dogs to such unsuitable conditions. Since Gozo SPCA has no alternative premises, nor do they kill healthy animals, then the consequence is that with immediate effect they will cease to rescue and house further stray dogs. The emergency animal ambulance service for dogs will also have to cease.
Last year the Gozo SPCA picked up 356 stray and abandoned animals, so this has not been an easy decision to make. There are many horrific stories attached to that statistic and Mrs Berry can no longer personally deal with the added anguish and sorrow that could easily be avoided, so she will be stepping down as the Centre Manager.
Meanwhile the Gozo SPCA will be reviewing its effectiveness and viability over the coming months.
The Gozo SPCA regrets the inconvenience to the community and directs them to the Police, the local Vet, the Animal Welfare Authority or the Ministry for Gozo with any dog related emergencies.
Gozo SPCA
Photograph shows Betty Berry excercising some of the dogs the Gozo SPCA has been caring for.
I have no shadow of a doubt that Gozo is reversing back to a third world country., I think the ministers should pull their socks up and get their priorities in order, unfortunitly for us Brits. we’ve had enough of playing the cat and mouse game so we’re off to pastures new and a better country. Sorry to hear that Betty has resigned, but then again i don’t personally blame her ….Do You? i can’t honestly see a Gozitan taken over they just haven’t got it in them. Period.
No, I don’t blame Betty for resigning..I just plainly admire her for sticking through this for so long! It’s unbelievable, after so many years of negotiation, the government has never helped SPCA acquire better premises. I agree with D Young, when s/he says that “Gozo is reversing back to a third world country”. This is so true.
Its disgraceful that Government has not come up with a property to house stray and sick animals on Gozo. This has been an ongoing and continuous problem and the higher authorities do not want to help here yet so many people have given time freely and with love to help out where all these animals are concerned.
Something must and should be done. The issue should not be on the back plate and left there. Betty Berrry has been an inspirational lady in her acheivements as of all her helpers, and its a sorry time if she says she’s going.
Government stop thinking and ACT.
Doreen Avellino UK
It was with much sadness, and a lot of anger, that I read the above article.
No, I do not blame Betty for resigning, it is a wonder that she has managed to put up with all the abuse hurled at her and the SPCA by the government and some local people, for so long.
I find it utterly disgusting that the Government, and more specifically the Ministry for Gozo, has turned a blind eye to the needs of the SPCA and the thousands of maltreated and abandoned animals they have taken care of in the past. It is appalling that in a so-called ‘Christian’ country animals are treated and abused so badly and that nobody in authority cares!
I realize that the majority of people who have animals do take good care of them, however, when one reads and experiences the dreadful things that some human (?) monsters do to animals on this little island, it makes ones skin crawl.
It is about time that someone in the Ministry pulled finger and found new premises for the SPCA to rent.
A lot of people volunteer their time to help animals and I think the least the Government could do is help them out a bit. After all it’s not as if they are asking for a wage and they are doing a worthwhile job in controlling strays on Gozo. I hope the Government have a change of heart here and do something for these people and I hope that Mrs Betty Berry returns to her rightful position. I don’t know the lady personally but from what I have read she really cares about what she does.
I think the real queen of GOZO is not the uncaring minister with all the smiles in the local media…as all they care about is money, but the real queen is BETTY BERRY she deserves a lot better then this from the local authorities.
We are very sorry to see her go and no other will match up even to the top of her shoes for many years to come.
Shame on all those concerned, this will not be forgotten very lightly, I have just learnt that the news of her resignation has reached as far away as Canada, Australia and the UK.
Good Luck Dear Betty, one day these people will learn that animals have also rights to breath the same air as we do.
Hi Betty, I personally have spoken to you several times these last years and know how dedicated you are.
Well one thing that the Minister for Gozo is concerned about is the BUZZ word :ECO Gozo: and all the leaflets that we do get as JUNK Mail .
If all that JUNK Mail was not send to us can you all imagine how much money the Minister would have saved??? But no it looks like printed matter is more important than our beloved Dogs and Cats
My I suggest Betty Berry to contact someone from the opposition to see if they can help.
How come that the government hasn’t got a piece of land for The Gozo SPCA so they can relocate.
Definitely there is space at the Xewkija government Farm where there is over 80 tumoli of land that most of it is only used to grow wheat .
Minister PLEASE Note
Unfortunately nothing ever promised comes to fruition in Gozo, with the exception of things that are expected to make money.
We constantly see the minister making promises whilst smiling at the cameras, but everything in reality stays the same.
We are still waiting for the new Xlendi Road, the new Dwerja Road and whatever has happened to the Pharmacy of Choice? I could of course go on but the list would take up too much space for a comment.
As for eco-Gozo, it has just become a total joke, both at home and abroad.
We now hear that the SPCA have been attempting to get adequate premises for over twenty years????
If the minister/ministry can’t do something about it in over twenty years, then it is high time that someone higher up stepped in to take over the reins – before it’s too late!
WAKE UP ALL YOU PEOPLE OF GOZO, DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS – MARCH, PROTEST, GET ON TO THE MINISTER FOR GOZO, OR DO NOT VOTE.
WHAT ARE YOU ALL AFRAID OF SPEAK UP LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, DO IT DO IT NOW, DON’T LET THE GOVERNMENT WALK OVER YOU.
THIS IS 2010 FOR GOODNESS SAKE.
This is for Betty: Betty, you are a fantastic, wonderful person who has done so much for Gozo. You have never given up on our islands. Thanks to you and to another special person, I have started to love animals and I consider them my best friends. Our country should be so supportive and helpful to people like you Betty. You are a treasure!
If Betty Berry was queen of this island (and yes she deserves to be)it would be a jewel in the Med, and not a third world destination which even Mugabe would be ashamed of!
Why in the name of Whoever are we generalizing regarding this issue especially the Gozitans!!Do you really think that the majority of Gozoitans are happy with this??And WE Gozitans we do not have a queen !!IT is up to me and you to change it if we want TO!!I love animals just like most Gozitans and if you or anybody else thinks that only foreigners take good care and love animals then go to villa rundle and watch Leli from Fontana ( volunteer) every morning feeding stray cats at 10.oo am each morning!!!GSPCA has done a great job so far. We have to find a way to im prove this!!MORE AWARENESS AND PLEASE IF YOU ARE A FOREIGNER LIVING IN MY COUNTRY PLEASE AND I BEG YOU!! We have a lot to learn but we will try and we will learn for our or other people’s mistakes!We are not perfect and never will be and neither are you my foreign friends.Gozo is a lot better than that! Most people speak English and your health problems are free.What you save in heating bills alone you pay for renting or mainting your home.(property taxes? What the hell is that?)Most of my good friends are foreigners and they do NOT bitch cos they know deep down they have it made!!Sorry for sounding harsh but Gozo my dear friend :Love it or leave it”