Firemen rescued seven dogs from a burning house in Mqabba this morning, but two of them succumbed to their injuries. A cat was also injured and is being cared for at a veterinary clinic.

The fire broke out in the kitchen at the back of the house in Mqabba's main square at about 10 a.m. and spread to the yard. Firemen led by Civil Protection Department station leader Anthony Pisani rushed to the scene and described the blaze as 'intense'.

Four fire engines and the police were on site. The firemen managed to prevent the flames from spreading to the front of the two-storey house.

No one was injured.

Officials from the Animal Welfare Department were on site to handle the animals.

Mqabba local council thanked the fire-fighters for their professional help and their efforts to save the animals.