Lapping it up

The husky found abandoned down a Żurrieq cliff face with a 30-foot rope tied around its neck is happily recovering under the cool air of two fans at Noah's Ark animal sanctuary in Mellieħa.

Noah's Ark founder Fabio Ciappara said the dog, which must have spent at least three days balanced on a tiny ledge two storeys down, was still ravenous after his misadventure and yesterday devoured three bowls of food.

"We have named the dog Cliff after he was rescued from the Żurrieq cliffs. He is very loving, gentle and grateful to be with us," he said.

Noah's Ark received more than 70 calls from people wanting to adopt the beautiful dog. However, Mr Ciappara said the sanctuary was planning to find Cliff a home abroad, where it could enjoy a cooler climate.

A Maltese-Canadian was looking into how much it would cost to take the husky back with him and Noah's Ark called its contact in Germany to find it a home there.

"We are against the importation of dogs, such as this husky, to Malta. These breeds are not made for a hot climate and they suffer too much," he said.

Noah's Ark, which runs the government-funded animal ambulance service, said those who required ambulance services to rescue animals were urged to call the local police station. Mr Ciappara said the calls should be made to the police as opposed to directly to Noah's Ark in order to eliminate prank calls. They had already received such calls sending the ambulance on a wild goose chase, he added.