Mistreated dogs rescued

Two mongrels were rescued from a rundown building in Valletta on Friday after the Animal Welfare Department received reports that the owner was mistreating them.

The owner, in his 40s, is a squatter and people reported it was not the first time he had let the dogs go hungry for days. The reports allege that the man would get drunk then start beating the dogs.

One person, who wished to remain anonymous, even took a photo of him going around with a dead dog in his arms, trying to collect money from those who believed his tale that he needed to buy food for the animals.

Godric Marston, from the department's action team, said the dogs were now recovering in a sanctuary and would be treated by a vet.