A total of 49 small breed dogs were rescued from a residence in Balzan this afternoon in an operation carried out by the Animal Welfare Department with the help of the police.

The dogs, which included chihuahuas, pugs and poodles, were being kept in restricted spaces and unhygienic conditions. They were ungroomed, many had skin conditions, two had eye problems and one was wounded.

They were taken away in department pens and are currently being held at pens in Ghammieri.

The department intervened after receiving several reports that a large number of animals were being kept at the residence in unsuitable conditions.

At the residence they also found an eagle and a hawk and hundreds of domestic birds. These were, however, kept in adequate cages.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority is checking to see if the eagle and hawk are registered and chipped.