One of the clinic’s clients and her dog strike a pose.Dogs Trust Malta recently wrap-ped up their three-month campaign for free nationwide neutering and chipping with a surprise visit by rapper Hooligan at a local veterinary clinic.
Hooligan signed posters and took pictures with visitors who happened to have their dogs booked for neutering with the same offer on that day. Dogs Trust neutered and micro-chipped 2,000 dogs during its New Year campaign.
The campaign offered free neutering and micro-chipping as a package to all owned dogs in Malta and Gozo, as a measure to further control the abandoned and stray dog population.
The organisation said Hooligan’s contribution was pivotal to the campaign. He is a role model to many and often speaks out against drugs and violence, and now also against irresponsible dog ownership.
The song and video advert was a first for Dogs Trust Malta and could not have been possible without Hooligan himself, Elton Zarb from Freetime, together with volunteers and their dogs.
Many children in schools instantly recognised the local personality in the video and enjoyed singing along to the catchy tune. Teachers were supportive of the initiative and remarked that Hooligan’s tune is easy for children to repeat and will certainly be remembered along with the message conveyed.
Over 3,000 children in schools have received visits from Dogs Trust since January.
“I enjoyed doing it because I believe in the cause and would jump at the opportunity to do it again,” said Hooligan about his involvement in the campaign.
“Since its inception in 2009, Dogs Trust Malta has offered a sterling service to animal welfare. Through its intensive campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness and education on dog welfare, Dogs Trust has been instrumental, alongside other NGOs, in working to reduce the number of stray dogs,” said Joseph John Vella, promotion and services director, Animal Welfare.
More details can be obtained by contacting the trust on 2142 1500 or 7771 1100 or at office@dogstrustmalta.com.
Dogs Trust will shortly be launching a new campaign aimed at teaching people about dog behaviour and training.