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An American couple who were in Malta on their honeymoon and witnessed a hit-and-run on a stray bitch last December in Rabat is appealing for anyone having information to come forward.
On 14 December, the Greaves couple from Boston was walking along the main road from Rabat to Dingli as a stray bitch started to follow them.
“She was a large dog but very, very thin and incredibly sweet – brown and white spotted with large paws,” said Kerry Greaves. “I didn’t want her to follow me because it’s a busy road and cars were speeding past us. She kept happily following me, however, so I resolved that I would buy some food to feed her when I reached Dingli.
“Unfortunately neither of us ever reached Dingli. A car speeding past hit her, and it has been one of the worst experiences I have ever had. The car did not stop, and the dog broke its hind leg and I am sure there was more damage, as the sound it made and the distance it was thrown was great.
“Someone did stop and tried to call an animal hospital several times but no one ever answered. I stayed with the dog, watching it suffer like I have never seen another creature suffer, helpless to do anything but wait for help. I stayed for over four hours in the rain, sobbing, trying unsuccessfully to comfort the dog, waiting for the police to come after a kind family let me call from their house.
“No one ever came and I think the dog might have run off in the field while I was calling the police. She was severely injured and I have spent every day since wondering if she is dead or alive, how she might be suffering, and I see her when I close my eyes. I would be willing to pay for the dog’s treatment, etc., if she is ever found.”
The couple have contacted SOS Animals to help them learn of the fate of the injured bitch. A spokesman for the organisation said so far they managed to contact the family who had called the Rabat police station for help.
“Unfortunately, information from the Rabat police station has been very conflicting and could not be relied upon,” said Emanuel Magrin. “They first claimed that no report was filed about the incident, but days later they informed SOS Animals that they forwarded the emergency call to the Abandoned Animals Association, who however denied this immediately.
“Later the Rabat police even claimed to have contacted SOS Animals, that is ourselves, who are the ones trying to gather the information about the case. We’re faced with a dead end so we are asking for any information from whoever knows anything about this incident, vets included. The dog needs urgent veterinary assistance. In the case some good Samaritan took the dog to a vet, all expenses will be refunded from the SOS Animals welfare fund.”
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