140 cats, 76 dogs at Ghammieri

The number of full-time workers at the Animal Welfare Department has increased from 17 in 2012 to 27 in 2014.

Nineteen of the 27 workers are trained to take care of sick animals.

The information was tabled in parliament by minister Leo Brincat in reply to a series of questions raised by Opposition MP Michael Gonzi.

In March, Brincat said, there were a total of 140 cats and 76 dogs at Ghammieri.

When parliamentary secretary Roderick Galdes inaugurated a new cats sanctuary at Ghammieri, he said that 150 cats were to be relocated to the new sanctuary.

The numbers of cats in March doubled when compared to January 2014 when Ghammieri was hosting 75 cats. It is however not clear how the number of cats decreased from 150 in July 2013 to 75 in January 2014.

Currently, there are five kittens in Ghammieri’s care but no puppies.

During January and February, seven cats that were being kept at Ghammieri died. Four others were transferred to the San Frangisk animal welfare centre in Ta’ Qali, but had to be put down, Brincat said.

During the same period, one dog had to be put down at the animal welfare centre.