It was a noble stand taken by Dar tal-Providenza to publicly decline any donations that were derived from activities and events that involve animals held in captivity, Friends of the Earth said yesterday.

Dar tal-Providenza is in great need of donations, as the

services it offers are maintained primarily through its benefactors. However, despite its need for financial assistance, Dar tal-Providenza has shown the Maltese public that respect for all living species, including animals, comes before monetary matters. Such a stand follows wholly the teachings of St Francis of Assisi, who rejected material wealth in exchange for a life in harmony with other living creatures, the organisation said.

FoE (Malta) therefore appealed to the Maltese public to offer donations to Dar tal-Providenza during the festive season. It would also like to urge the public to support the event being held on Thursday evening in Floriana as part of the campaign against animal circuses.