UPDATED 18:15
A two-day effort to rescue a young cat trapped in a water pipe in Xagħra, Gozo, ended in tragedy on Tuesday afternoon when volunteers finally managed to extract the animal – already dead. The case, detailed by resident Joanna Bonello on the RUBS Puppy Love Facebook group, has sparked sharp criticism of the authorities’ handling of the incident.
Bonello says she contacted Animal Welfare Gozo early Monday morning, when the cat was still alive and crying for help. She alleges that officials visited briefly but left after deeming the pipe too long and the situation unworkable, and that a scheduled return later that evening was dismissed due to a lack of daylight.
On Tuesday, volunteers sourced an inspection camera, while Civil Protection officers and Animal Welfare personnel again attended the site but departed after concluding that no rescue was possible. With rain approaching, the property owner sought assistance from drainage contractors. High-pressure water was eventually used to clear the pipe, forcing out the body of the 6- to 8-month-old Calico.
Bonello argues the death was avoidable and attributes it to a lack of initiative and coordination from animal-welfare authorities. She maintains that timely intervention and basic problem-solving could have saved the cat’s life.
No official statements have yet been issued in response to the allegations.
Earlier:
Gozo residents scramble to save cat trapped in pipe as authorities face criticism
A tense rescue effort is underway in Xagħra, Gozo, where a young cat has been trapped inside a water pipe for more than 24hrs. The situation came to light through a post by local resident Joanna Bonello on the RUBS Puppy Love Facebook group, where she detailed mounting concern and frustration over what she describes as an inadequate response from animal-welfare authorities.
Bonello said she plans to be on site at 1 p.m. today, alongside a plumber who has agreed to assess how far into the pipe the animal is lodged and whether specialised equipment, such as an inspection camera, can be used to locate it. According to her, the pipe sits on private property, but the owner has been cooperating and is willing to take any necessary steps to attempt a rescue before incoming rain poses a fatal risk.
Her posts, however, sharply criticise both Animal Welfare Gozo and the Gozo SPCA, claiming neither organisation made meaningful attempts to intervene despite being informed on Monday morning. She alleges they dismissed the situation as too complex, citing the length and inaccessibility of the pipe, instead of coordinating with civil protection officers or technical professionals who could assist.
Bonello argues that authorities tasked with animal welfare should have taken the lead in organising a rescue operation rather than leaving the responsibility to private citizens. She describes the response as lacking urgency and compassion, particularly given that the cat’s chances of survival diminish the longer it remains trapped.
As of this afternoon, locals are preparing to continue rescue attempts, hoping the animal is still alive. Further updates are expected.
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