Gozo neutering drive stopped after assault

The Gozo SPCA has abandoned its Trap, Neuter, Release programme after its personnel were assaulted and equipment damaged or destroyed last week, the association said.

The attack happened during an organised cat trapping session.

The cat and dog neutering programme had been running for several years, with most of the expenditure covered by The Blue Cross and ITV Grenzenlos, organisations based in the UK and Germany.

"The Gozo SPCA personnel involved in the incident were shocked and dismayed that such an attack should take place," the association said.

The Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs condemned the attack, saying it was a pity that incidents like this took place.

The police are taking action against the person allegedly involved in the attack.