Now is the time of year that all the animal welfare organisations throughout the Maltese Islands dread – with unwanted puppies and kittens being abandoned with callous indifference all over the place.

This year is proving no exception, but last night a Gozo SPCA volunteer was faced with a dreadful sight of seven dead kittens scattered beside the road at the limits of Ghajnsielem.

A very concerned young couple called the Gozo SPCA during the evening, having found one live new born kitten amongst the bodies. They kindly brought it to the SPCA Centre and having been explained the circumstances, Gozo SPCA decided to investigate further. The location was visited and the Officer witnessed the tragic sight for herself; there were 3 large healthy looking kittens, although one had a serious head injury, then there were 4 others all less that a week old. They were all verified as dead and all appearing to have died gasping for breath, as their mouths were wide open. Amongst the kittens was a large paint bucket with a lid nearby.

It could only be assumed that the kittens had all been shut in the bucket until they suffocated, although how one survived is a mystery. Sadly shortly after being handed to Gozo SPCA the only live new born kitten, which was already very weak, died.

The local Ghajnsielem Council supports Gozo SPCA in condemning this cruel act of animal vandalism. The saddest part of all this is that Gozo SPCA has spent many years promoting the neutering of cats and dogs to prevent these unwanted births. During the past two years The Blue Cross, Britain’s Pet Charity have provided extensive funding for neutering cats entirely for free for anyone wishing to have their cats neutered. Likewise, ITV Grenzenlos, a German charity and Dogs Trust Malta have sponsored the neutering and micro chipping of dogs.

For those who say that it is not natural to neuter a dog or cat – Gozo SPCA would like somebody to explain what is natural about the death of these poor kittens, which had a right to life too.

To date Gozo SPCA has taken in 40 kittens this year and it is still early in the season. For anybody wishing to adopt a vaccinated, neutered and healthy kitten from the Centre, please contact 21551637 or email info@spca-gozo.org.

Permalink: Seven dead Kittens found in Ghajnsielem – Gozo SPCA