The animal NGO Dogs Trust has announced today that it has neutered and micro-chipped 10,000 dogs and reached over 28,000 primary and secondary school children through education talks since its inception in June 2009.

“This achievement has resulted in fewer unwanted puppies being abandoned and directly helped to reduce the stray population across Malta and Gozo,” the Trust said.

the NGO said that of all the dogs micro-chipped and neutered through the campaign, 4,300 were farm dogs, over 4,500 dogs belonged to people on benefits and the remainder were hunter’s dogs, factory and community dogs, and shelter dogs.

CEO of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) Ms. Sina Bugeja, said, “I commend the initiatives being taken by Dogs Trust Malta as this benefits vulnerable individuals. It is very positive to see entities working for the best interest of others through various ways, in this case by advocating the welfare of pets and promoting responsible dog ownership.

“Furthermore, the initiative by Dogs Trust is also being extended to support the work done by FSWS in helping vulnerable groups in society, such as people with disabilities, young people with behavioural problems, people experiencing loneliness, and other individuals at risk of social exclusion. We applaud the approach of Dogs Trust in waiving fees for these people, and fully support the organization in its endeavour.”

Secretary General of the Assocjazzjoni tal-Bdiewa and Co-Ordinator of the Farmers Learning Centre Mr Louie Naudi, added, “we appreciate the hard work of Dogs Trust Malta with regard to their free neutering and micro chipping of farm dogs. This can greatly help farmers to manage their dogs and we look forward to continued cooperation with Dogs Trust on the matter.

“Benefitting from our contact with farmers through the association and also the Farmers Learning Centre, Dogs Trust is improving the life of farm dogs whilst reducing the number of unwanted puppies on farms. I’d encourage all farmers to get in touch and take advantage of this offer.”

The Dogs Trust’s education campaign has run alongside this helping to increase awareness and understanding of dog welfare and encourage the next generation of dog owners to secure a happier, healthier future for dogs and society alike.

Dogs Trust project manager, Sarah Decesare Dunkerley said, “Dogs Trust could not have accomplished this challenging task without the support and help of participating vets within the Malta Veterinary Association, Happy Paws Charity Clinic in Marsa, its local partners, SPCA Malta and the many schools who welcomed talks on responsible dog ownership given by Dogs Trust Education Officers.”

“The charity’s work has been supported by the latest strides in animal welfare made possible by this government. This year’s passing of the new micro-chipping legislation has signaled a positive step in helping to reduce the stray dog population, by facilitating return of lost dogs to their owners and in tracing irresponsible dog owners.

“Coupled with the Animal Welfare ambulance service, which transports and treats all injured strays, Animal Welfare continues to improve.

“Our hope is that neutering and micro-chipping, and the costs associated with responsible dog ownership, will firmly be considered as part of the fabric of dog ownership. Dogs Trust looks forward to the New Year and the opportunity to continue working on the same lines thanks to its dedicated staff and to the support from the Animal Welfare Directorate along with all veterinary clinics,” Sarah Decesare Dunkerley concluded.

Dogs Trust is launching a new nationwide campaign in January. For more information please call on 21421500 or 77711100 or email to office@dogstrustmalta.com.

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