Tip-offs lead to rescue of pit bulls

Five pit bulls, some of them mixed breeds, were rescued after concerned people called the Animal Welfare Department on suspicion that the dogs were being used for illegal fighting.

"I'm glad to see people are calling in when they suspect pit bulls may be used for illegal dog fighting. It's only with this type of help that we can put an end to this cruel activity," animal welfare officer Godric Marston said.

He believes this increased awareness is partly due to an article recently published in The Times in which Mr Marston urged animal lovers to help the department.

"The dog fighting circle is very well-organised and it is difficult for us to catch the perpetrators without help," he said.

Since then the welfare officers have been requested to pick up four mixed breed pit bulls, including a puppy, from Qormi and one from Kalkara. All dogs were roaming the streets but some seemed to have belonged to someone as they had clipped ears.

"Usually, clipped ears are a sign the dogs are being prepared for fights...The one we picked up from Kalkara had lots of old wounds. One of the others found in Qormi was skin and bones," Mr Marston said.

The puppy has already been adopted but the other four are still at the government's farm in Għammieri where the department has set up a temporary shelter.

Once rescued by the department's animal ambulance service, animals are taken to a vet and then to Għammieri from where they are homed with the help of animal sanctuaries.

Anyone wishing to report an abandoned or abused animal can call the police headquarters on 2122 4001. Calls will be diverted to the 24-hour ambulance service.