Alternattiva Demokratika – the Green Party has expressed concern over the situation of animal welfare in the country.

Simon Galea, AD spokesperson on Agriculture and Animal Welfare said: “While appreciating the progress achieved in this field, AD strongly believes that there is so much more still to be done.

“During a consultation meeting organised by AD earlier this year, animal welfare groups and individuals together with AD officials formulated a policy paper for the improvement of Animal Welfare in Malta. These proposals were also included in the general election manifesto.”

Mentioned in these proposals is the fact that no Animal Welfare Officers had been appointed even though stipulated by law (Animal Welfare Act 2002 Art 44).

The need of raising fines to serve as a deterrent is also included in these proposals.

Although doing their outmost, the police are not providing the enforcement required due to work overload and this responsibility should lay in the hands of specialised personnel as stated by the law.

Recently one such person has been appointed for the whole of Malta. It is about time that sufficient numbers of Animal Welfare Officers are employed, he said.

In the meantime AD will continue to exert pressure on the authorities in order for the proposals to be implemented, while pleading for the general public to respect all creatures.

A better Animal Welfare State can only be reached through better enforcement and education.