Dogs rescued from dark, humid shelter in Valletta

The pleading eyes of a pit bull terrier pierced through the darkness in a Valletta shelter as animal welfare officers yesterday rescued it from a violent life of dog fighting.

Two bulldogs, a Chihuahua and two roosters were also found in the humid, poorly-ventilated shelter situated on the road leading to the Yellow Garage area.

The bulldogs were covered in wounds and bites, proof the animals were being used for illegal dog fighting, animal welfare officer Godric Marston said.

The pit bull did not seem to have any injuries, possibly because it was still being trained to fight, and the Chihuahua too did not carry any visible wounds.

The Animal Welfare Department was informed about the location of the dogs by an anonymous caller in the morning. Arriving on the scene, officers heard barking behind the metal door that secured entrance into the shelter.

The shelter belonged to the Housing Authority and was being illegally used to keep the dogs, Mr Marston said, adding the dogs' owner had not yet been tracked down.

When the door's lock was cut opened using a blowtorch, officers were hit by a stench of humidity and animal excrement. They first walked through a narrow passageway where old boxing equipment, like speed bags and weights, were stored. Further inside, officers found the trembling male pit bull huddled up in a corner inside a small cage. The two bulldogs and the Chihuahua, males, were found in a larger cage across the room.

The dogs seemed to have been fed regularly but the place was dirty and the only form of ventilation was a tiny window. The ground was slimy and littered with the animals' excrement and uneaten biscuits. Officers also found two roosters in a cage, possibly destined to become dog food. They were given to a farmer.

The dogs were examined by a vet and taken to an animal sanctuary where they will remain as officers hunt the owner who faces legal action.