Bella Vista Street in San Gwann now has a new artistic installation called “The Puppy Plan: Early schooling for dogs.” The project aims to raise awareness about The Puppy Plan and improve the localities’ artistic profile and embellish the roads of Malta, while encouraging other organisations to use such artistic mediums to provide opportunities for young artists to express their talent.

The project is being launched by Dogs Trust and SPCA Malta with the support of San Gwann Local Council. The installation is being sponsored by Borg Cardona Co. Ltd. And Royal Canin Malta , who are also helping SPCA Malta by providing support with pet food within their home in Floriana.

Artists Christine X, James Micallef Grimaud and Cooker worked with Dogs Trust to come up with a concept that puts happy and confident dogs at the forefront, and put paint on stone in the weeks leading up to this launch.

Dogs Trust explains that dogs raised poorly are more prone to react badly to meeting new people and children, meeting other dogs, living with other animals and hearing loud noises. The Puppy Plan ensures that puppies are prepared to face all the challenges which living with humans often entails. The installation serves as a reminder of this.

Head of Dogs Trust Malta, Sarah De Cesare Dunkerley says, “We have worked since 2009 to improve dog welfare in Malta and Gozo through our ongoing free neutering scheme, our primary and secondary school educational visits and public education campaigns.

“In recent years we have added dog behaviour on our agenda. Sadly we see so many under-socialised dogs coming into shelter as they have been difficult to train and deal with in a home environment as young dogs. It will be interesting to find out the effect The Puppy Plan will have on these numbers as more breeders and new owner take it up as part of their responsibilities.”

Kurt Guillaumier, San Gwann Local Council Executive Secretary says, “We have animal welfare at heart and have also been organising events to raise awareness on the issue and to help organisations collect donations. We were very excited about the project when we were contacted by Dogs Trust.

“The residents of San Gwann and people driving through the locality will be reminded of man’s best friend every time they see the drawings and hopefully be reminded of their responsibilities towards their pets.”

Andrew Borg Cardona, Borg Cardona Co Ltd. General Manager adds, “We believe in giving something valuable back to the animals. There is nothing more valuable than educating people who are in contact with animals thus the reason why we are very happy to sponsor such campaigns. We would like to thank our clients for the continued support that makes it possible for us to carry on helping organisations committed to proper care of animals and the education of pet owners.”

The organisation plans to have other installations in other localities “which will further embellish the streets for other communities and leave a mark for a very long time.”

Dogs Trust also expressed its gratitude to Mr and Mrs. Jack Calamatta for agreeing to let the work be done on their wall.

Dogs Trust Malta urged the public to drive cautiously in order to minimise the risk to people working on this and similar projects.

Anyone who wants more information on what The Puppy Plan involves is encouraged to call Dogs Trust on 21421500 or 77711100 or visit www.dogtrainingmadeeasy.org/the-puppy-plan.

Since 2009 Dogs Trust Malta has neutered just under 14,000 dogs for people on benefits, hunters, farmers and shelters and have spoken to 46,000 children in schools to teach them about responsible ownership safety around dogs and dogs’ needs.

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