Imagine this: a sprawling, green oasis in the heart of Malta, where once-abandoned animals find their forever homes. This is not a dream, but a reality soon to be realised with the announcement of plans for Malta’s first dedicated animal rehoming centre.

In a move that has been long-awaited by animal lovers across the islands, a local NGO has revealed its ambitious plans to transform a 10,000 square metre plot in Rabat into a state-of-the-art animal rehoming centre. The centre, set to be named ‘Paws & Purrs Haven’, will provide a safe and nurturing environment for cats and dogs awaiting adoption.

The brainchild of Malta Animal Welfare NGO (MAW), the project has been in the pipeline for over a year. “We’ve seen an increase in abandoned animals, especially during the pandemic,” says MAW’s founder, Maria Debono. “We realised we needed a space where we could properly care for and rehome these animals.”

The centre, designed by local architect Alex Attard, will be more than just a shelter. It will include a veterinary clinic, a grooming parlour, and even a café where visitors can enjoy a coffee while watching the animals play in their enclosures. “We want it to be a place where people can come, spend time with the animals, and maybe even find their new best friend,” says Attard.

The centre will also serve as an educational hub, with plans to host workshops and talks on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. “We want to create a culture of respect and responsibility towards animals,” says Debono.

The project has received overwhelming support from the local community, with many volunteering their time and skills to help bring the centre to life. “We’ve had offers from builders, electricians, even a local artist who wants to paint murals on the walls,” says Debono, her voice filled with gratitude.

With the plans approved and the site secured, the next step is fundraising. MAW has launched a campaign to raise the €500,000 needed to build and equip the centre. “Every euro counts,” says Debono. “We’re asking everyone who cares about animals to dig deep and help us make this dream a reality.”

You can donate to the Paws & Purrs Haven campaign via MAW’s website or by scanning the QR code on their social media pages. The centre is expected to open its doors in late 2023.