Leading animal charities Dogs Trust and SPCA Malta joined forces one year ago to launch a neutering and education campaign to improve animal welfare across Malta.

Since the campaign began last summer, Dogs Trust Malta has successfully neutered over 2,000 dogs, 21 per cent of which live on farms where over-breeding is prolific. By July 2014, it is projected that 35,000 dogs will have been neutered, dramatically reducing the number of stray and unwanted dogs on the island.

Clarissa Baldwin, CEO of Dogs Trust, explains: “It is hugely gratifying to see the Dogs Trust Malta neutering and education strategy working to its full potential. In only 12 months, we have managed to prevent over 30,000 unwanted puppies ending up as strays or abandoned. Dogs Trust’s experience of developing and managing international programmes combined with SPCA Malta’s local knowledge and proficiency has proved that a long-lasting, significant reduction in the number of unwanted dogs in Malta is highly achievable.”

The announcement of Moira Delia’s appointment as its new Education Officer marks the campaign’s success and growth. The well-known TV presenter will visit primary schools across the island to teach future dog owners about the importance of responsible dog ownership. Education plays a vital role in the charity’s ongoing campaign on how to tackle the stray dog problem on the island. Attendance at the curriculum-linked educational workshops is free of charge and has already reached over 8000 children across the country. Topics covered include staying safe around pets, responsible pet ownership and learning about pets’ needs.

Ms Delia said: “I care deeply about animal welfare and hope to make a real difference through my new role at Dogs Trust Malta. If we’re going to have a real impact on the stray dog situation here it’s really important we spread the message about responsible dog ownership to the dog owners of the future. Primary schoolchildren are at an age where they are open and able to absorb new information, but are still young enough to form opinions and behaviour. Children are naturally excited about the workshops so will talk about them at home, and spread the messages to their parents that way.

“Our strong partnership with SPCA Malta means we’ll have a sustainable, lasting legacy.”

For further information or if you would like to have your dog neutered contact Dogs Trust Malta on (+356) 777 111 00 or send an e-mail to [email protected]