Our Rescues Malta Foundation has raised a number of concerns regarding conditions at the Animal Welfare dog section, describing the situation as a “serious failure” in the care of dogs under state responsibility.The comments were made in a video published by the organisation, in which it outlined several ongoing issues affecting dogs housed within the facility.This comes as the Office of the Animal Welfare Commissioner has opened an investigation into the Animal Welfare Directorate and its leadership, following reports of shortcomings.In its statement, the foundation said that dogs, including those confiscated from situations of neglect or abuse, are not consistently receiving the level of care required.Among the concerns raised were delays in accessing medication and treatment, which the organisation attributed to administrative procedures and procurement challenges. It also questioned claims that responsibility lies solely with veterinary staff, arguing that systemic issues may be limiting their ability to act effectively.The organisation further highlighted staffing shortages, stating that there are instances where a single dog walker is responsible for a large number of animals, potentially impacting their welfare and daily exercise.Additional concerns were raised about infrastructure and maintenance within the facility, including reported safety risks and the condition of certain areas used to house dogs.The foundation also alleged that some dogs are being adopted in poor health, while others may not be undergoing adequate testing prior to medical treatment.Furthermore, it noted a significant reliance on volunteers to support daily operations, suggesting that this may be compensating for limited resources within the system.The organisation called for increased accountability and improvements within the sector, particularly in light of the ongoing investigation.The inquiry by the Animal Welfare Commissioner is expected to examine these claims and determine whether further action or reforms are required to ensure appropriate standards of care.What do you think of their statement?•