Hundreds of people turned up in Sliema this afternoon for the biggest protest against animal cruelty seen in Malta.

The protest - a silent march - was a reaction to the horrific attack on Star, the dog that was bound, shot and buried alive near Ghar Hasan in Birzebbuga last month. The dog was rescued in the nick of time by officers of the Animal Welfare Department after a tip-off.

Many of those taking part took their dogs along. Participants carried placards reading 'Stop Animal Cruelty' while the dogs wore coloured ribbons on their collars in 'solidarity' with  Star.

The protest started at the Ferries, where young singer Shauna Vassallo performed her song Fejn, which focuses on cruelty to animals. It ended in Ta' Xbiex.

Organiser Fleur Cilia Buckett said she was pleased that turnout was bigger than she had expected. She said that there were many other cases of animal cruelty apart from that inflicted on Star, and the authorities therefore needed to raise the penalties which the courts may impose on those convicted of animal cruelty. It was also important, however, that the courts also ordered psychological help to abuses since they were otherwise likely to re-offend.

Those present included members of several NGOs involved in animal welfare and Resources Minister George Pullicino.

Star herself could not be taken to the protest because she is still too weak. She is being cared for at the recently-opened St Francis Animal Welfare Centre in Ta' Qali.

More than 50,000 have signed up to a Star solidarity page on Facebook. Meanwhile, a fund has been set up to reward anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of the culprit.