Urgent appeal for adoption of dogs

Noah's Ark, the animal welfare organisation, is making a heartfelt appeal to animal lovers to come forward and adopt a dog because it can no longer cope with the growing number of abandoned animals.

Consisting of a group of dedicated animal lovers, Noah's Ark has been working hard to address the problem of strays and abandoned dogs in the north of the island.

Its appealed to the government to identify a plot of land in Mellieha turn into a sanctuary have fallen on deaf ears. A plot of land rented from a farmer is already occupied with dog pens.

"On this plot of land we have built 18 pens but these are not enough to shelter the 55 dogs we have taken in. We also have 20 puppies who need a home," Noah's Ark Fabio Ciappara said.

Mr Ciappara said Noah's Ark was finding an average of two to three strays a day roaming the streets in search of food and abandoned in fields.

The voluntary organisation was spending about Lm25 a day just to feed the dogs and this did not include spaying or neutering of the animals.

Anybody who wishes to lend a hand should contact Mr Ciappara on 7973 0900 or 2152 3459.

Donations may be sent to the Bank of Valletta account: 40013262921.