Several organisations joined forces today to save two dogs which were locked up in a room at the King George V Recreational Centre in Floriana.

Mayor Nigel Holland told timesofmalta.com that the Floriana council occasionally received reports that dogs could be heard inside the room, which was kept locked, but none were ever found on checking.

Policemen heard the dogs barking while on the beat today and contacted Mr Holland telling him that the dogs could be heard inside.

The lock, which had been replaced by whoever put the dogs inside,had to be cut open by Civil Protection Department officials and the two dogs, a male and female boxer, were found inside without food and water and in the dark.

From their condition and the excrement in the room, it was likely that the dogs had been there for a number of days, Kurt Ciappara, from the Animal Ambulance Service said.

Although the dogs had not yet become skeletons, it was obvious they were hungry.

He said that the saved dogs were now being transferred to Noah’s Ark.

Mr Holland praised all involved in the operation and said the incident showed that results could be achieved if everyone worked together.