Animal Welfare and the police have launched investigations into the alleged attacks that led to the deaths of five stray cats in Sliema.

Spokespersons from both the Animal Welfare department and the Malta Police Force told Lovin Malta that investigations into suspected animal abuse were launched after residents reported the sightings of dead cats in St Alphons Street, Our Saviour Street and St Charles Street, Sliema.

Residents have since informed Lovin Malta that these attacks have extended to Rudolph Street and Saint Helen’s Street, Sliema as well as Cuschieri Street in Gżira.The story was initially reported yesterday by Lovin Malta after residents took to social media to share the tragic state these cats were found in. While most of them were stray, some were cared for by the community which fed and neutered them for their health and safety.

Some cats were found in boxes and coated in blood while others had parts of their tails and tongues cut off. A sixth cat was also found in Gżira with a part of its take cut off, as well as its blood splattered on surrounding walls and cars, according to a social media post. He was found in this condition outside his house before feeding time. Parliamentary Secretary of Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said commented on the suspected attacks saying she requested authorities to apply the “necessary measures for justice to prevail.”

“This was a despicable act of unnecessary cruelty. I cannot understand how someone can do something this horrible to innocent animals,” she wrote on social media. Bugeja Said concluded her post by appealing to all those who have information on these violent attacks on innocent animals to come forward and speak up.If you see any similar incidents, be sure to report them to the authorities.

Have you seen any similar incidents of animal cruelty in Malta?