(Adds ministry's statement)

Gaia, the boxer found suffocating in a skip this morning died late this evening.

The dog was operated upon this morning, shortly after he was found in a skip by a jogger at around 8 a.m.

She was found wrapped up in a black garbage bag under a lot of other waste.

A jogger who was passing by heard movements inside the skip and after searching thoroughly within, spotted a movement moving within the closed bag.

After some hesitation, he opened the bag and found the poor boxer fighting for her life trying her best not to suffocate.

An animal ambulance took Gaia to the Centru San Frangisk where medical staff, who had already been alerted about her arrival, conducted an operation.

Ms Chetcuti said this afternoon the dog was still in the danger zone. It had suffered major dehydration and was highly traumatised.

Last May, another dog, Star, was found bound with string and poking through the soil as it gasped for air. The dog’s muzzle, front and hind paws had been bound before it was shot in the head and buried in the shallow grave, left for dead.

It had been found by animal welfare officers following an anonymous tip-off about three neglected dogs.

The dog died three weeks after it was found.

RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTRY STATEMENT

The cruelty was condemned by the ministry which said that the government had this year introduced the obligation that by June 2012 all dogs had to be microchipped.

This would make the identification of owners easier. If unchipped dogs are found with their owners after this date, fines would apply.

The ministry said that more than 5,500 dogs had been registered so far. The ministry appealed to all dog owners to approach a vet of their choice to microchip the dog.

More information can be obtained on 2590 5354.

The ministry appealed to people who may have information about the case to contact the police.