Cats and dogs play a leading role in an SPCA initiative launched in aid of its animal welfare services.

Debbie Caruana Dingli has captured the character of 16 cats and dogs on canvas and, with Pippa Zammit Cutajar and Mikhail Basmadjian, produced the calendar to raise money for the oldest animal welfare and homing centre in Malta.

Established in 1876, the SPCA looks after about 160 dogs and cats and strives to give them the “very best in love, care and attention”.

It takes in stray and abandoned cats and dogs, rehabilitates them and looks for loving homes. But as a non-governmental organis-ation it depends on fundraising activities and donations to raise more than €160,000 yearly.

The 28-page calendar featuring 12 watercolours can be ordered online through the SPCA’s Facebook page and can be bought for €9.50 from the Paws 4 A Cause shop in Ġorġ Borg Olivier Street, Sliema, or the SPCA homing centre at St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.

Donations can also be made at www.spcamalta.org or by sending a cheque to the SPCA in Floriana.

Alternatively people can sponsor a dog or cat for €1 a week. More information on 2123 4431.