3 comments so far.Gozo SPCA in positive talks with Ministry on new site
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Gozo SPCA officials said that they met with the Minister for Gozo and Ministry officials today, to discuss a location suitable for the new Centre. The meeting was very positive and constructive.
It represented a continuation of meetings between Gozo SPCA and the Ministry for Gozo that have been on-going for many months. With regard to a new site for Gozo SPCA, there was full agreement that one particular site, which the Ministry had brought to the attention of Gozo SPCA last year, was ideal for Gozo SPCA’s needs. The Minister has arranged for a meeting to take place next Monday between Gozo SPCA officials and MEPA’s head of planning for Gozo, to discuss the way forward.
Gozo SPCA said that they would like to thank the Minister and her Ministry for the assistance they have provided over the years. Most importantly has been the provision of Peter Camilleri, a Ministry employee, who has worked full time at Gozo SPCA as its Animal Welfare Officer since November 2002. The Ministry has also given assistance in the maintenance and refurbishment of Gozo SPCA’s current centre, which is owned by the government.
Gozo SPCA remains closed to taking in new dogs, and asks the public to contact the Police – Tel: 21224001 or the Animal Welfare Department Tel: 25904236/25904132/25904113 for any dog related emergencies.
The Society is desperate to rehome the 20 dogs it is currently cares for, and welcomes the public to visit Gozo SPCA’s centre in Victoria if they are considering choosing a new pet dog.
All of the dogs are vaccinated, neutered and have regular health checks. The Rehoming Centre is manned from 7-10am and 4-5:30pm every day of the week.
Photos and descriptions of the dogs looking for a home can be found on Gozo SPCA’s website http://www.spca-gozo.org/ and on its facebook page http://bit.ly/cyIj8B"
At last, a breakthrough for these poor creatures that are abandoned without a care, by “humans” on this little island. Let’s hope that they will now have a place to call their own whilst waiting for their forever home with a family or friend. Please everyone in Gozo, neuter your companion animals and if you want a dog, puppy, cat or kitten, approach Gozo SPCA first. Their kennels and cages are full of healthy animals looking for love.
May I ask Minister Debono, why did it take her 20 years to take action or did she need Betty Berry`s resignation for her to do something?
As stated by the SPCA – Following over 20 years of negotiations with the Ministry for Gozo a solution has never been found.
Betty you did right when you showed how frustrated you were by resigning but think again and make sure that the Minister for Gozo this time won’t hide behind MEPA if a permit is not issued. Be careful.
The SPCA have done a fantastic job over several decades here in Gozo.
I am sure that the work they have done is appreciated by many people; including the government.
The fact that the Gozo SPCA has reluctantly decided it cannot take ANY more dogs is, I believe, due to several factors including two very important considerations:
1. The present premises are unsuitable for the purpose and now breaches E.U. laws on the welfare of animals (so I have heard).
2. There was recently an unfortunate incident where a dog got hurt in the premises. This was very upsetting for all concerned and brought to a head the inability to cope with things as they stand.
Apparently, by law, the police are responsible for dealing with stray dogs brought to their attention. The Police have no facilities to deal with stray dogs ‘dumped’ on them.
The S.P.C.A. has been very successful in recent years in raising funds. I believe they have enough money to adequately cover all their running costs and even a reasonable amount of capital to build a suitable centre; ALL THE S.P.C.A. lacks is a suitable site for their new premises.
There is absolutely no need for antagonism; the welfare of these animals is more important than attacking individuals.
Let us all hope that the present talks result in REAL ACTION and not just more talking; the fact that the Gozo S.P.C.A. genuinely cannot take any more stray/abandoned dogs makes this situation now URGENT and needs a speedy positive outcome.
Please, if you read this, try and think of any POSITIVE way you can help, without causing any animosity to the decision makers concerned – the animals need help and this is NOT the time to cause friction; HOWEVER if a positive outcome is not found in the very near future I shall be the first to sign a petition stating my belief that this crisis must be resolved without any further delay.
Good luck to the S.P.C.A. – and my best wishes to the decision makers in the sincere hope that they quickly find an acceptable solution with the blessing of MEPA and all concerned.