The Gozo SPCA has dropped long-term plans to relocate to new premises after it was told its planning application to build an animal shelter on an earmarked pocket of land would “almost certainly” be refused.

This will be a setback to animals as Gozo SPCA is the only shelter on the sister island and this move means it will have to drastically cut the number of dogs it can keep at any one time to six from 25.

“This decision was a body blow to the dedicated volunteers, most of whom are well beyond retirement age,” the NGO said.

For 20 years it has been seeking a site that could serve as its new centre to house stray, injured and abandoned dogs before they are homed.

It had come close on several occasions but always without success. In 2010 a new site was chosen and jointly agreed upon by Gozo SPCA, the Gozo Ministry and the Lands Department.

However, following months of intensive preparations for the alternative site assessment report, the society was informed by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority that its planning application to build an animal shelter on this site would almost certainly be refused.

During its annual general meeting this week, Gozo SPCA members agreed with the committee’s recommendation that it would no longer be searching for a site for the planned centre.

Instead it was decided Gozo SPCA will focus its efforts on upgrading its existing centre in Victoria to comply with the new Animal Welfare Act regulations applying to sanctuaries and shelters. There will have to be proper facilities, including isolation/quarantine zones, which do not exist at the present time.

“The damage to morale among the volunteers has been so great it was decided to give up the battle to find yet another site when obstacles are met at every turn,” the NGO said.

Contact info@spca-gozo.org for further information about the plans.