Imagine strolling along Marsaxlokk’s bustling market, the scent of fresh fish and local pastizzi filling the air, when you hear a chorus of barks and purrs echoing from a nearby building. This could soon be a reality as plans for an animal rehoming centre in the heart of Malta’s fishing village have been announced.

A Haven for Homeless Pets

The proposed centre, spearheaded by local animal welfare organisation Paws 2 Rescue, aims to provide a temporary home for stray and abandoned pets until they can be rehomed. The organisation, based in Marsaxlokk, has been caring for Malta’s homeless pets for over a decade, but until now, they’ve lacked a dedicated facility.

“We’ve been operating out of our founder’s home and various foster homes,” explains Paws 2 Rescue’s chairperson, Maria Grech. “But with the number of animals in need constantly growing, we desperately need a proper centre where we can provide better care and increase our capacity.”

Marsaxlokk: The Perfect Location

Marsaxlokk, with its vibrant community and central location, was an obvious choice for the centre. The village’s market, a popular tourist attraction, could also serve as a hub for potential adopters to meet and interact with the pets.

“We want to make the centre a place where people can come, meet our animals, and maybe even take one home,” Grech says. “We believe that having the centre in Marsaxlokk will not only help us rehome more pets but also educate the public about responsible pet ownership.”

Plans and Partnerships

The centre, designed by local architect Joe Cassar, will include a clinic for medical care, a grooming area, and spacious enclosures for the animals. Paws 2 Rescue is also partnering with other local organisations, such as the Malta Animal Welfare NGO, to ensure the centre meets all necessary standards and regulations.

“We’re also in talks with the Marsaxlokk Local Council to ensure our plans align with their vision for the village,” Grech adds. “We want this centre to be a asset to Marsaxlokk, not just for us, but for the whole community.”

With the centre’s planning phase well underway, Paws 2 Rescue is now focusing on fundraising to turn their vision into a reality. They’ve launched a crowdfunding campaign and are also seeking corporate sponsors to help cover the centre’s construction and operational costs.

“We’ve come so far with the support of our volunteers and donors,” Grech says. “But to make this centre a reality, we need the whole community to get behind us. Every euro counts, and every voice matters.”

For more information on how to support Paws 2 Rescue and their animal rehoming centre project, visit their website at paws2rescue.org.