Boxer put down after dog fight

The Gozo SPCA was forced to put down a young pure bred Boxer when it found him after one dog fight too many.

A spokesman for the organisation said: "This barbaric practice has long been deplored by all civilised people but it is a sad and sorry fact that it still flourishes here in the Maltese islands and very little is done by the authorities to stop it.

"It is not the first time a victim of this cruel sport has been rescued by the Gozo SPCA and sadly it will probably not be the last."

The dog was starving and covered with old scars and fresh animal bites by the time it was found roaming aimlessly in Xlendi.

"The dog had finally become so weak from starvation and dehydration that Gozo SPCA officers were able at last to catch and attempt to treat him."

Initially the organisation was hopeful that it could help the dog, which was surprisingly friendly and affectionate, but vets took the regrettable decision to put him down since he was suffering from a number of conditions.

The Gozo SPCA has several other dogs and cats available for re-homing. Enquiries should be made to the Gozo SPCA on 2155 3769 or check out the website www.spca-gozo.org.