The second phase of the owned pets neutering project in Gozo was launched in Nadur on February 24, Spay Day International. This was the first time that Spay Day International was commemorated in Gozo.

Nadur was the winner of the draw made in December to choose the next village to follow on after the successful launch of the pilot neutering project in San Lawrenz, where almost 60 pets were neutered entirely free of charge.

Nadur is a much bigger village and in the first couple of days over 35 free vouchers have been issued. Ten animals have already been neutered by the island's vet. All owners are issued with a booklet describing the many benefits of neutering pets as well as helpful advice on pre- and post-operative care.

The project is being managed jointly by Gozo SPCA and Nadur council, with the latter taking the registrations for vouchers at their offices. All pet cats and dogs and street or feral cats fed by carers living in the village are eligible for the scheme.

Gozo SPCA is prepared to humanely trap any feral cats in order to neuter them.

This project was only possible through the financial help by The Blue Cross, Britain's pet charity, who are funding all the cat neutering/spaying, and ITV Grenzenlos, a German animal welfare charity, which is covering the costs of dog neutering.

Vouchers are being issued on a first-come-first-served basis.

For further information call Betty Berry on 9980 7067 or e-mail info@spca-gozo.org.