Hopes Gozo SPCA could finally have new centre
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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Joe Genovese
Feb 26th 2010, 16:37
If basic human decency fails to prevail at such an official level, Maltese animal lovers should put the Gozitan authorities on notice that , starting this Easter, they will be staying away from the Island.
What good will it do these animal lovers to intend spending the Easter weekend only to be upset at the sight of such suffering caused by such callousness at top official level?
And they should keep away from visiting the Isle Of Free Ills until their message hits home.
Home, in Gozo, is where the cash register is. Money talks and it never fails to reverberate in an empty till.
The Isle Of Free Ills will then also be The Isle Of Empty Tills.
estelle grech
Feb 25th 2010, 08:49
Well done Betty and everyone else at the Gozo SPCA and good luck for the new premises!
Franco Farrugia
Feb 25th 2010, 08:12
I think that it is a wake-up call for the Maltese Government to consider offering land and means, to the central SPCA in Malta. The little space they have in Floriana is hardly decent!
Jutta Spang-Schleicher
Feb 24th 2010, 13:45
Wake up, Gozo! Who would care for all the abandoned animals if it were not Betty Berry and the SPCA? Our organisation ITV Grenzenlos has had two very successful neutering campaigns in San Lawrence and Nadur thanks to Betty´s great help. We would even fund other local councils in doing something against the stray problem. The house the SPCA is in at the moment doesn´t come up to European standards and it´s about time that some land is found so animal welfare in Gozo could improve. Don´t forget you want to attract tourists! How will you do that with stray animals roaming the streets? Betty has done a splendid job for such a long time, the money is there to build a new shelter - it is up to the authorities to do something now and find some land!
a. sciberras
Feb 24th 2010, 12:51
about time that the Gozo Ministry started discussions on animal welfare in gozo!
Mark Thorogood
Feb 24th 2010, 12:29
Betty Berry has been involved with Gozo SPCA for well over 20 years, including many years as centre manager, and has never been paid (or asked for) a cent for putting in often 60 plus hours a week. Indeed she is frequently out of pocket when using her own vehicle for rescuing animals in Gozo. In "thanks" she has been criticised and even physically assaulted. Rather than calling for her to reconsider her resignation, Malta should be looking at how properly to thank her officially for all she's done for the animals of Gozo.
W. Azzopardi
Feb 24th 2010, 11:12
Now Ms Berry should reconsider her resignation. I am sure she does, she knows animals love her and need her.
F Spiteri
Feb 24th 2010, 10:28
And it's about time too, that the Gozo Ministry has woken up !