27 bully-breed dogs were found in unacceptable conditions within a residence by the Directorate of of Humane Treatment of Animals after a report filed with officials on Wednesday.

Officials of the directorate took action following a report about a dog that allegedly appeared to be in poor condition and when officials went onsite to verify it, they found a total of 27 dogs being ill-treated, held in unsanitary conditions and each with a number of injuries.

Amongst these, were two female dogs that were nursing their puppies.

Officials of the directorate, with assistance from the Malta Police Force, took the dogs into their custody in an operation that lasted a number of hours. Some of the dogs also required veterinary treatment.

The directorate said that the operation is another in which it acted in order to protect animals.  This was possible after a reform last year which strengthened its human capital and operations, and was given more enforcement power which allowed it to carry out such operations.

The directorate said that people with suspicion that animals may be being mistreated can file a report by phoning on 1717.

Those wishing to adopt animals may visit Ghammieri or else use the website www.adoptapet.gov.mt.