Behind the Headlines: Dogs Left in Limbo While One Was Rescued — Why Malta Must Act Now

Althea Galea
Oct 22
3 min read

Last week, a shocking video emerged from Gozo showing a group of neglected dogs, emaciated, living in squalor, visibly suffering. The public outcry was immediate. In response, Animal Welfare Directorate (AWD) mounted an operation and – after what appears to have been a protracted delay – one dog was finally removed and is now safe at Association for Abandoned Animals (AAA) in Birżebbuġa. He has been given the name Gorg.

But let’s be clear: while the rescue of Gorg is welcome, the rest of the dogs were left behind for days, despite the law giving the welfare authority powers to act immediately. We know the other three – now named Hope, Chance and Phoenix – were eventually moved to Noah’s Ark Dog Sanctuary in Mellieħa, but only after further delay and only after the media exposure made the matter impossible to ignore.

The Legal Landscape – And Where It Faltered

Under the Animal Welfare Act (Chapter 439) of the Laws of Malta, “animal welfare officers shall act under the direction of the Director in the exercise and performance of their powers, duties, and functions conferred or imposed upon them under this Act.” Further, recent reform documentation emphasises that the Animal Welfare Directorate is responsible for “rescue of abandoned animals or animals in danger … perform inspections … enforce … legislation … safeguard the handling and transfer of ownership of animals.” What this means: when credible evidence emerges of cruelty or neglect, immediate action is not just morally right — it is legally supported. Yet in this case, we understand that the AW team was forced to wait for a warrant because the local authorities did not want to assist. The delay permitted further suffering.

What Happened to Gorg — And What’s the Fate of Hope, Chance & Phoenix

Gorg is now in safer hands at AAA, his name changed to signify rescue and hope. But the fact remains: three others were left in that dire condition for longer. At the time of this writing, Hope, Chance and Phoenix are at Noah’s Ark but in “a complete terrible state” (our sources). They need significant veterinary care, rehabilitation, socialisation — and funds.

Why This Matters

Neglect is ongoing: These dogs illustrate that neglect isn’t a one‐off incident but part of a broader failure of enforcement and response.
Delay equals more suffering: Hours and days matter when animals are in distress; the longer the delay, the greater the risk of permanent trauma or death.
Public funds & public responsibility: The welfare of animals is entrusted to public bodies, but when they stumble, it falls to NGOs and the community to pick up the pieces.
Donations make the difference: The sanctuaries in question are underfunded, under-resourced and wholly reliant on the generosity of the public.

A Deeper, More Alarming Reality

What makes this case even more concerning is that the same farmer responsible for these dogs also keeps other farm animals under his care.

This raises a critical question:👉 If severe neglect has already been established, shouldn’t all animals under this individual’s responsibility be temporarily confiscated until the court case is concluded?

In principle, yes. But here we face a systemic failure.

The Animal Welfare Directorate (AWD) currently does not have adequate facilities to house larger numbers of confiscated farm animals. This means that in similar cases, while dogs or cats might be moved, farm animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, or poultry are often left behind — potentially at continued risk — because there is simply nowhere for AWD to take them.

This is not just a logistical issue.It is a legal and moral loophole that leaves animals vulnerable while the system waits for lengthy legal proceedings to unfold.

How You Can Help

For AAA (Association for Abandoned Animals):

SMS: 5061 7350 (€2.33), 5061 8060 (€4.66), 5061 8910 (€6.99), 5061 9200 (€11.65) aaamalta.com +1
Bank transfer: BOV Account 40024740814 IBAN: MT71VALL22013000000040024740814 — alternatively HSBC Account 042 161794 050 IBAN: MT27MMEB44428000000042161794050
Donations in kind (gift vouchers from pet shops/clinics) also accepted.

For Noah’s Ark Dog Sanctuary:

SMS: 50617351 (€2.33), 50618072 (€4.66), 50619202 (€11.65)
PayPal: noahsarkmalta@gmail.com
Bank Transfer BOV: Account No. 40013262921 IBAN: MT16VALL22013000000040013262921 — BOV Mobile/Revolut: 99471390

Final Call to Action

This case is a stark reminder that animals in Malta still wait for basic protections, even when the law says they shouldn’t.

We must raise our voices, raise our funds, and demand systemic change so that the next rescue can happen in hours, not days.

Please donate — share widely — and keep tracking how such rescues are handled. Let’s not let this be just another headline. Let’s make it a turning point.