Alex, a four-month old puppy, yesterday joined the family of Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino who is one of the first to sponsor an SPCA resident.

The dog was one of 160 animals available for sponsorship by those who would like to have a pet but cannot keep one at home.

Through the scheme, people pay €1 a week to sponsor a dog or a cat, most of which cannot be rehomed.

Sponsors will get a wallet sized ID and profile of the animal, which they can visit or take for a walk.

Fund-raising and communications manager Sue Simons said the animals came from a difficult background and the perfect Christmas present they could receive was a family.

“I love this initiative,” Mr Pullicino said, as Alex wagged its tail.

“During this festive season, many people give pets as a Christmas present and some of these are abandoned when they grow older. SPCA is offering an alternative: sponsoring a dog or a cat as a Christmas gift,” he added.

The animal shelter is also raising funds through its Paws 4 A Cause charity shop on Ġorġ Borg Olivier Street, in Sliema.

The SPCA can be contacted on 7982 3956/2123 0468 or via fundraising@spcamalta.org.

www.spcamalta.org

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