The practice of permanently chaining ones' dogs is now illegal, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights Clint Camilleri announced during a press conference at the Ministry for Sustainable Development, Environment, and Climate Change.

The new piece of legislation was received with praise by the Animal Welfare Council, insisting that animals deserve a better life, and cannot live their whole life in an enclosed space tied to a chain

Camilleri hailed it an “important day” for animal lovers.

The bill, published in 2016, states that “it will be illegal to tethen, fasten, chain or restrain dogs to any stationary object as its primary means of confinement”.

Dog owners will still be able to walk their beloved pets using a leash now that the law is enacted.