Booklets educating children on how to be responsible dog owners were handed out to every school on the island as part of a five-year programme operated by Dogs Trust.

The programme, which will soon be drawing to a close, taught children about the responsibility being a dog owner entails. The booklets are written by Candace Vella Bencini.

Holding the Dogs Trust mascot, Macey, the white lap dog, Ms Vella Bencini told children from the Għargħur primary school, that dogs required commitment, patience and were a hefty financial commitment.

Over the past few years the foundation has organised educational trips, such as the vet for a day scheme, which saw children aged between six and eight years, attend a veterinary clinic and learn about basic pet maintenance.

Education Minister asked the children about their experiences with pets to which the group all raised their hands.

“I’m getting a dog called Floppy, if he makes a mess in the house I will clean it,” one six year old boy said.