Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and SPCA Malta have developed a two-fold neutering and education strategy to reduce the number of stray and unwanted dogs,.

Starting on September 1, a means-tested pilot scheme will launch in Valletta and a free neutering and microchipping programme in selected target areas will shortly follow. The subsidised neutering and microchipping procedure will cost owners receiving means-tested benefits only €25, a 75 percent discount on the usual average fee of €100.

The charity is emphasising to owners the importance of neutering their pets. While the procedure clearly will decrease the number of unwanted litters of puppies, there are also proven health benefits to the animal as neutering prevents certain cancers and can reduce negative behaviours. Those eligible to take part in this initiative can call Dogs Trust directly on 2142 1140 or 7771 1100 for details.

Shortly following this project’s launch, the initiative will then be set to roll out to the rest of the country. Dogs Trust’s campaign will target all unneutered owned dogs in Malta. They aim to have neutered an estimated 35,000 pet and ‘latch key’ dogs after five years

Using an annual budget of €150,000 and a best practice blueprint from the charity’s international neutering projects in Romania and Ireland, Dogs Trust is introducing a population control programme to reduce the number of stray dogs and prevent unwanted litters of puppies. Dogs Trust has employed full time Campaigns Manager, Sarah De Cesare to oversee the project at ground level.

The charity has employed a local, full-time, bilingual, education officer who will conduct free school workshops for seven to nine year olds. This will play an essential role in teaching the next generation of pet owners the need to respect animals. Within the first year of the programme Irene Micallef will visit all 65 government, church and independent primary education establishments in Malta, reaching over 40,000 potential future pet owners.

The workshops will all be bilingual, curriculum-linked, funded entirely by Dogs Trust and certified by the Maltese Ministry of Education. Topics that will be covered include staying safe around pets, responsible pet ownership and learning about a pet’s needs.

Last year, the Animal Welfare, Promotion and Services Directorate launched a Neutering Campaign for 2009.

This year the tender was won by Blue Cross Veterinary Clinic. Registered NGO's can have cats and dogs which are captured from the street micro chipped and neutered free of charge and provided with any necessary after care.

Supporting the neutering campaign, the directorate encourages NGO’s to give priority to stray cats and dogs from the area around Valletta to compliment the scheme.

Those wishing to help with these projects or those seeking more information on both initiatives, are asked to contact either the Dogs Trust team on 2142 1140 or the Animal Welfare Department on 2122 5930.