Useful Information

 EMERGENCY AMBULANCE & ANIMAL WELFARE

Animal Welfare Ambulance – 1717

WHAT TO DO ID I FIND A STRAY DOG

You can call animal welfare on 1717 and they will come and check for a chip- this is normally the best thing to do first. You can also take a dog to a vet to check for a chip.  If you wish to take the dog to a sanctuary, you need to call them first to check if they have space. The law gives you several options:

1. Return to owner if known
2. Deliver dog to the nearest police station
3. Deliver dog to a registered sanctuary, but they are under no legal obligation to take the dog
4. If you wish to keep the dog, take it to the nearest police station to make a report and to check for a chip. After 7 days you can claim ownership.

WHAT DO I DO IF I LOST MY DOG

If your dog is lost, you need to make both a police report, and inform the chip registrars. This notification has to be made to the Microchipping Office at the Veterinary Regulation Directorate on 22925301 orvafd.msdec@gov.mt, and has to be done within 48 hours. They will then inform the sanctuaries, vets and the animal welfare department. If your dog is not chipped, you still need to make a police report, but you will need to inform all the sanctuaries, vets and the animal welfare department yourself.

All dogs of 4 months and older must be microchipped, and at any age wear an ID tag on their collar/harness when in public. Either offence is punishable by a €300 fine. You also significantly reduce the chances of getting your dog back if you don’t chip them.

NEUTERING & SPRAYING

Spaying is a general term used to describe the removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female animal. Neutering is a general term used to describe the castration of a male animal. However, neutering is often used in reference to both genders. The surgical procedure, performed by a veterinarian, renders the animal incapable of reproducing. Here are answers to some questions you may have about this beneficial procedure.

What are some of the health and behavioral benefits?
Through neutering, you can help your dog live a happier, healthier, longer life.

Spaying a female dog eliminates the messiness associated with the heat cycle.
Neutering of male dogs can prevent certain undesirable sexual behaviors, such as urine marking, humping, male aggression and the urge to roam.
If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will generally get along better if they are neutered.

A long-term benefit of spaying and neutering is improved health for both cats and dogs. Spaying females prior to their first heat cycle nearly eliminates the risk of breast cancer and totally prevents uterine infections and uterine cancer. Neutering males prevents testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland, and greatly reduces their risk for perianal tumours.

Can’t I allow my purebred dog to have just one litter?
Mixed breed or purebred — there just aren’t enough good homes. Purebred animals also often end up in shelters. In fact, 25 percent of shelter dogs are purebreds. Responsible purebred breeders have homes for their potential litters before they breed.

If I find homes for my pet’s litters, then I won’t contribute to the problem, right?
Wrong. Only a finite number of people want pets. So every home you find for your pet’s offspring takes away a home from a loving animal already at a shelter.  Neutering can even be for free through our current Neutering and Chipping Campaign.    Contact us on +356 79730921 to see if you are eligible for a free neutering voucher.