Sliema house disinfected after 23 dogs are taken away

District police assisted by the Association for Abandoned Animals (AAA) yesterday seized 23 dogs from a residence in Carmel Street, Sliema.

In a four-hour operation, volunteers extracted the dogs, two of them puppies, from "filthy" conditions following a court order to evacuate and disinfect the house.

Eyewitnesses said a stench could be smelt several metres away.

AAA founder Alfred Fenech said he was more than willing to assist the police and seize the dogs on condition that none of them is put down.

Although volunteers wore respiratory masks, the smell inside the house was unbearable, Mr Fenech said.

Surprisingly the woman turned out to be an animal lover, taking in strays but the situation got out of hand.

The dogs were briefly examined on site by Duncan Chetcuti Ganado from the government vet section and found to be suffering from dermatitis by fleas and mange caused as a result of poor hygienic conditions.

The canines were taken to the AAA sanctuary where they will be cared for by volunteers.

Medicine has been prescribed and once they recover, they will be put up for adoption, Mr Fenech said.

The woman, who has moved while fumigation of the residence continues by the Health Division, has been asked to spend time at the sanctuary for both the dogs' and her benefit.