Local Councils: Ready to Save a Furry Life?

Imagine this: a dog chokes on a bone while playing in St. George’s Bay. Panic sets in, but luckily, the person nearby knows exactly what to do. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario anymore, thanks to a new initiative by the Animal Welfare Department.

Animal First Aid Courses: A Lifeline for Pets

The Animal Welfare Department has just opened registrations for local councils to express their interest in hosting animal first aid courses. This move comes as a part of their ongoing commitment to improve animal welfare across Malta and Gozo.

These courses, led by certified trainers, will equip participants with the skills to handle common pet emergencies. From choking to heatstroke, first aid can make all the difference between life and death for our furry friends.

Why Now, and Why Councils?

With over 160,000 pets registered in Malta, the need for more pet first aid trained individuals is evident. Local councils, with their close ties to the community, are the perfect partners to help spread this knowledge.

“We want to empower our communities to care for their pets,” says Dr. Jacob Attard, Head of the Animal Welfare Department. “By training local council members and residents, we’re creating a network of pet first aid responders across Malta and Gozo.”

What to Expect from the Courses

The animal first aid courses will cover a range of topics, including:

• Recognizing signs of distress in pets
• Administering CPR and the recovery position
• Handling choking emergencies
• Managing wounds and bleeding
• Identifying and responding to heatstroke and other common emergencies

Each course will be tailored to the specific needs and interests of the local council and its community.

So, are you ready to become a pet first aid hero? If you’re part of a local council, contact the Animal Welfare Department to register your interest. Together, we can make Malta and Gozo safer for our beloved pets.