Local Councils: Ready to Save a Furry Life?

Imagine this: a dog chokes on a bone while playing in St. George’s Square, Maltese sun beating down. Panic sets in. But wait, there’s a local council employee nearby, trained in animal first aid. They spring into action, saving the day. This could soon be a reality as local councils are invited to register interest in animal first aid courses.

Why the Sudden Interest in Animal First Aid?

Malta’s love for pets is no secret. We’re home to over 100,000 dogs and cats, according to Times of Malta. With so many furry friends around, it’s high time we ensure their safety. Enter: animal first aid courses for local councils.

“We’re seeing an increase in pet ownership, especially during the pandemic,” says Dr. Alexia Grech, vet and course coordinator. “We want to empower councils to handle minor emergencies until a vet arrives.”

What Will Councils Learn?

Councils registering for the course will learn to handle common pet emergencies like choking, bleeding, heatstroke, and more. They’ll also learn about pet first aid kits and how to administer pet-specific medication. “It’s not just about saving lives,” Dr. Grech adds, “but also building a stronger bond between councils and their communities.”

How to Register and What’s Next?

Interested councils can register via the Animal First Aid Malta website. Courses will be held at the organisation’s training centre in Birkirkara, with a possibility of on-site training for larger councils.

Once trained, councils will receive certification and a first aid kit for their locality. “We’re excited to see more councils stepping up to keep our pets safe,” Dr. Grech concludes.

So, are you ready to make a difference, local councils? The furry lives of Malta depend on it!