Four animal NGOs, SPCA Malta, Island Sanctuary, AAA and Noah’s Ark have issued an appeal to all animal lovers in Malta and Gozo to 'vote for life' in the spring hunting referendum by voting No.

The NGOs collectively home nearly 1000 dogs and cats.

“We believe that our passion and love for animals is not limited to our four legged friends at home, but also to all animals that need our protection. In fact a report compiled by the Wild Birds Regulation Unit shows that quail and turtledove numbers are at an all-time low across Europe.  According to the report, turtledoves declined by a further 3% since 2012 making an overall reduction of 77% in the species’ European population since 1980.  This means that it does not make any sense for quails and turtle doves to be shot and killed on their way to nest,” the NGOs said.

“Many of our supporters are obviously dog owners, dog lovers and dog walkers and it is also because of this reason that we want to see that this spring public land is again accessible for us to freely walk with our dogs in the countryside without fear."