Dogs Trust Malta and Gozo SPCA are calling on the public to be vigilant as an unidentified person posing as a Dogs Trust representative is asking for donations on behalf of the organisation in Gozo.
As reported already on Gozo News [1] the charities are asking for help from the public to identify a man, in his 60s or 70s who has missing teeth and is going around with a Dogs Trust badge and a yellow bucket with the Dogs Trust logo asking for donations.
The man was seen yesterday in Victoria, Gozo but could be targeting different localities. The public is being asked to provide any information they have on the matter to the police by calling Victoria police station on +356 2156 2040.
The man is saying that the money is being collected by Dogs Trust Malta to assist Gozo SPCA in a project. People could easily mistake this story as true and give their money away for the wrong cause.
Gozo SPCA Fundraising Assistant, Mark Thorogood says, “Gozo SPCA has already rehomed 50 dogs and 60 kittens from its centre in Victoria this year, and will continue to provide for the care of animals in Gozo for many years to come.!
!If you wish to support animal welfare in Gozo, please consider making a donation directly to Gozo SPCA.”
One simple option is via their SMS donation numbers €1.16 – 50616116, €2.33 – 50617375, €4.66 – 50618061, €6.99 – 50618904, €11.65 – 50619204.”
Head of Dogs Trust Malta, Sarah De Cesare Dunkerley added, “Dogs Trust Malta has not given permission to the person in question to collect funds on its behalf. We would like to encourage the public to help the police find this man and thank anyone who can provide any useful information. The charity has several offers in place to help the public but does not actively fundraise in Malta or Gozo. Those wishing to help the charity are asked to please contact Dogs Trust directly.”
Since 2009 Dogs Trust Malta has neutered just under 14,000 dogs for people on benefits, hunters, farmers and shelters and has spoken to just over 46,000 children in schools where the organisation visits to hold workshops about responsible dog ownership, safety around dogs and dogs’ needs.