A potential site that could be ideal for the Gozo SPCA's new centre to house stray and abandoned dogs has been identified after a "constructive" meeting with the Gozo Ministry, yesterday.

The meeting comes just days after Betty Berry, who runs the Gozo SPCA, announced she was resigning and closing the centre's doors to dogs with immediate effect because she felt it had become impossible to work in the present cramped premises.

Since Gozo SPCA had no alternative premises, nor did they put healthy animals to sleep, the consequence was that they ceased to rescue and house stray dogs. The centre had been having talks with ministry officials for more than 20 years with a view to renting a plot of land but nothing ever transpired.

However, after yesterday's meeting, Ms Berry said she was optimistic for the first time.

"The meeting was very positive and constructive... There was full agreement that one particular site, which the ministry had brought to the attention of Gozo SPCA last year, was ideal for our needs," the centre said.

Another meeting is scheduled for Monday between Gozo SPCA officials and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority's head of planning for Gozo to discuss the way forward.

Gozo SPCA thanked Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and her ministry for the assistance provided over the years. The centre particularly thanked a ministry employee who worked full-time as the centre's animal welfare officer since November 2002.

Ms Berry said that if the site materialised, work would eventually start to build a new centre and the Gozo SPCA could reopen its doors to dogs.

However, so far, the centre remains closed to dogs, and it urged the public to call the police on 2122 4001 or the Animal Welfare Department on 2590 4236/2590 4132/2590 4113 for any dog-related emergencies.

Gozo SPCA called on anybody wanting a pet to consider adopting one of the 20 dogs it cared for.

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