The Animal Welfare Department has issued a call for information from anyone who might know who shot a dog and buried it alive near Ghar Hasan in Birzebbuga.

The dog was rescued by officers of the Animal Welfare Department yesterday afternoon. Such was the cruelty inflicted on the dog that it had a gunshot wound on the side of its head and all its limbs were tied.

The dog was operated and more than 40 gunshot pellets were removed from the wound, along with pieces of plastic.

The Animal Welfare Officers went to the site after an anonymous phone call. They also found three dogs being kept in a small cage.

Star drew attention to herself by whimpering. The poor creature was struggling to breathe having been bound, muzzled and buried.

"Star, (that's the name which she deserves!) showed what a courageous caring, sweet, loving companion she is. She immediately allowed all the Animal Welfare staff to cuddle her and she even managed to wag her tail as if wanting to thank everyone!," the Animal Welfare Department said.

"Star is living it up to her name already and is doing her very utmost to make it through this heartbreaking situation...Even though Star witnessed and lived all this cruelty from a human being she never even spared us a menacing look or a growl – she just looked at us in gratitude!!!!!"

The police were informed about the case. Anyone having information on the case may phone the the Animal Welfare Offices on 25904132 / 25904113 or email animalwelfare.mrra@gov.mt