“Gozo SPCA and Animal Welfare Gozo work together very closely, and support each other as much as we can. Nearly all our animals come to us from Animal Welfare Gozo, who up until recently were providing a 24/7 emergency service for injured or sick stray cats and dogs in Gozo.”

However, it continued to say that due to these staffing issues, the service has not been in operation on many days throughout the last month.

While Animal Commissioner Alison Bezzina has confirmed the leave of absence, she expressed how she found the situation to be “profoundly disheartening”. 

“It is profoundly disheartening when the animal welfare sector loses individuals of exceptional caliber,” Bezzina told Lovin Malta.

“This sector already grapples with the formidable challenge of attracting dedicated individuals with an unwavering passion for animals and a robust work ethic. The departure of such invaluable talent, once found, significantly compounds the hurdles we face.”

“In my capacity as the Commissioner for Animal Welfare, I persistently advocate for a substantial elevation of animal welfare’s priority on the national agenda,” she continued.

“I emphatically urge the state to commit not only resources but also substantial human capital to achieve the service standards that our society, animals, and fervent animal advocates unquestionably deserve.” 

She concluded by stressing how imperative it is that efforts are doubled in order to nurture and bolster the extraordinary individuals who choose to channel their talents towards the betterment of animal welfare.

Meanwhile, many activists have expressed how frustrated and fed up they are with the ongoing situation, stating that he was the right person for the job.

“But for it to function well, he needed people, he needed funds and other resources. But there is no money or personnel for Animal Welfare Gozo or even Animal Welfare Malta for that matter,” Rosalind Agius said.

“What a disgrace! Totally unbelievable and unacceptable. Wake up! We need a system with a proper manager, enough workers who actually care for the animals and funds for the sake of the voiceless!” another activist expressed.