Diet and exercise for Garfield, Malta’s fattest rescued hedgehog

Oct 9 2022

Garfield (yes, she was named after the cartoon cat who loves lasagne) is the fattest hedgehog to ever be rescued by local volunteers. Given her excessive weight and the complications that come with it, Garfield has been given a challenge by her loving owners.

Weighing in at 2.2kg, which is almost double the size of a typical hedgehog, Garfield came to the care of volunteers last month after being found in Pieta unable to walk and with her hind legs bleeding.

Wildlife Rescue Team Malta have been keeping the public updated with Garfield’s progression, having already gone down to 1.5kg from the previous weight.

‘She is finally able to lift herself up enough to scratch with her hind legs, her legs are showing when she walks, and her walking speed is increasing’ explained the NGO.

However, should she roll up and find herself on her back, she is still unable to roll back on her tummy. She will now be strengthening her muscles at the 1.5kg weight so that she avoids saggy skin if she loses weight without gaining muscle.

You can do this Garfield! We believe in you!

#MaltaDaily

Source: Wildlife Rescue Malta FB

Three police constables suspended for alleged assault of migrants

Oct 9 2022

Three police constables were suspended on Friday after being suspected of having picked up migrants, escorted them to well-hidden areas and violently assaulted them.

The victims were also reportedly not breaking the law when this occurred but sources claim that the constables repeated the crime multiple times over the past weeks.

The assaults also reportedly involve other forms of humiliation which have not yet been detailed. It was reported that some of their colleagues reported the officers concerned internally, with the issue coming into the limelight on Saturday.

The media relations unit reported how three constables, two men and one woman, who worked the same shift at the Hamrun police station, are now being subjected to a criminal investigation.

All three constables are suspected of having seriously failed to uphold their duties through the use of unnecessary violence. Investigators are trying to identify all the assault victims to call them in for questioning.

The constables are young members of the force, with one reportedly graduating from the training academy less than a year ago. The police corp came out against the actions by the constables, condemning them outright.

#MaltaDaily

Hamrun Supporters turn up for one of the biggest rival matches against Valletta

Oct 9 2022

A massive crowd of Hamrun Spartans fans turned up to watch one of the biggest rival matches in local football history against Valletta.

As the players drove the match towards a 1-0 victory for Hamrun Spartans, the seats of the stadium were jam-packed with flag-waving and chanting supporters donning the red, white and black colours characteristic of the club.

A goal by Dodo mid-way through the first half continued Spartan’s winning streak and the victory over their rivals. On the other hand, Valletta suffered the third consecutive defeat, leaving them in the bottom half of the ranking.

#MaltaDaily

Thousands flock to Birgu Fest Candle night’s return

Oct 9 2022

Following a two-year hiatus imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people flocked to Birgu Fest’s 17th edition on Saturday to witness the candle lit wonder.

Over 20,000 candles lit up the streets of Vittoriosa. The event began on Friday 7th October, but the following day sees all streetlights switched off and replaced by thousands of candles distributed by the local council.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli and Vittoriosa mayor John Boxall announced the return of the beloved local festival which is a staple of Maltese culture.

The candle-lit city wasn’t the only attraction people could enjoy as a short film festival, live music, art exhibitions and historic re-enactment populated the busy festival schedule.

Residents love to participate in the festival, bringing out their own candles along with those provided by the local council. Back in 2019, it was estimated that around 60,000 people visited Vittoriosa for the festival, with the mayor predicting even larger numbers this time around.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Sources: @lovethemalteseislands @zhavoronkova.anna13 @matka_polka_na_malcie