Dog dies after owner calls 13 vets with no help, prompting ministry action

The Animal Rights Ministry is investigating failures in the emergency veterinary system after a two-year-old dog died when its owner contacted over 13 vets but found none available to provide care.

Condemning the incident, the ministry said on Friday that an investigation was underway and reminded the Veterinary Surgeons Association that it is legally bound to ensure that animals in critical condition receive care without delay, regardless of the time of day.

“The Ministry is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident to assess compliance with existing veterinary laws and regulations,” it said.

“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that veterinary clinics uphold their legal obligations and that animals’ health remains a top priority. The Ministry warns that all legal steps and actions will be taken against those clinics that are found in breach of their legal obligations.”

The ministry noted that the incident took place despite existing government support for clinics offering emergency services, including financial compensation for overnight shifts.

“As part of these efforts and to ensure that pet owners find the necessary emergency services, the ministry offered financial support per night shift, to ensure clinics remain open to see to emergencies. An Expression of Interest was issued to facilitate this process,” it said.

“Despite these initiatives, clinics that are legally and duty-bound to provide such emergency services keep on failing patients and pet owners — a failure which has contributed to the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.”

The dog, a two-year-old spaniel named Pixie, died on Thursday morning. 

Her owner, Stefanie Axisa, shared her experience on social media, expressing frustration at the lack of medical assistance during the early hours of the morning.

“Thank you for the failed system, where love for animals does not exist — all we see is money,” she wrote. “One even had the nerve to tell me: ‘We only open for emergencies for our own clients’.”

Speaking to Times of Malta, Axisa said she called more than 13 different vets between 6am and 7.30am in a desperate attempt to find help.

“The penthouse was full of blood. So, I started calling every number I could. I ended up calling 13 different vets and those are just the ones I called. My partner and father made calls as well. And none of them would help us,” she said.

“If this isn’t an emergency, then what is?”

Axisa described Pixie as “like a daughter” and said the dog was a central part of her family.

“I also have a one-year-old, and they both got along so well. I thought I would see them grow up together but that can’t happen now.”

She also criticised the response from the national animal emergency helpline.

“The animal emergency number tells you that you will be charged a €5 fee if you proceed with the call… I would have paid €1,000 if needed, clinging to the hope that someone would answer — but no, it rings once and then the line drops.”

The ministry reiterated that clinics are legally required to provide, or form part of, a 24-hour emergency veterinary service.

“This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accessible and reliable emergency veterinary services,” it said.

The state-run Ta’ Qali Animal Hospital, which previously offered overnight emergency care, has been closed since 2023 after equipment was damaged in a power surge. It is expected to reopen by the end of 2025.