Calls For 24/7 Animal Hospital Intensify As New Petition Is Launched
A petition calling for the opening of a 24/7 animal hospital was launched in memory of “Bear and other pets who passed due to a lack of this service”.
“Panicked for our pets, or strays, in desperate need of urgent vet care, we start calling numbers. Some are unanswered. Clinics are closed. Mobiles are off. The situation is unbelievable. And a situation like this could and should have been prevented,” the petition – set up by Animal Guardians Malta – reads.
Bear was a four-year-old German Shepherd-Labrador mix who died after enduring over 50 seizures throughout the night.
Despite repeated and desperate attempts to get hold of veterinary help, Bear’s family was left to watch him suffer until the next day when he was put down due to the extensive and irreversible damage from the episodes.
With almost 100 signatures, the petition aims to pressure the government to re-establish 24-hour veterinary services so that animals can be tended to after office hours. In some cases, these services can be life-saving.
In addition to this, the petition is calling for:
- Abolishing the current triage agreement which the NGO said has led to the euthanasia of animals that could have been saved.
- A 50% discount on Animal Hospital services for low-income pet owners, registered stray carers, and animal NGOs.
- Greater transparency in Animal Welfare operations, ensuring stray carers are kept informed about the animals they rescue.
Malta’s only 24/7 animal hospital in Ta’ Qali was closed down in 2023 due to extensive damage sustained by electricity cables during road works.
Last year, the Agriculture and Education ministries entered a deal to reopen the hospital and double it as a training ground for students taking part in a new veterinary course at MCAST. This was meant to open at the start of the last scholastic year but was delayed for unknown reasons.
To sign this petition, click here.
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