Dogs have long been known as man's best friend: they accompany us in every stage of our lives. According to the latest official statistics, about 85,000 Maltese citizens are registered dog owners, providing love, care and shelter to the more than 96,000 dogs living in our islands.

As their role in our lives both as pets, as well as service dogs continues to evolve, so too does the recognition of the importance of providing dog-friendly spaces in our communities. These inclusive environments not only contribute to their overall well-being, but also foster social engagement and enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.

Creating dog-friendly spaces is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being of dogs which, by nature, are social animals that thrive on interaction and physical activity. Such spaces provide opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization; all of these are vital components for a dog's physical and behavioural health. These spaces offer dogs a chance to explore their surroundings, interact with other canines, and unleash their boundless energy in a safe and controlled environment.

The benefits of dog ownership have conclusively shown that dog ownership can lead to a wide range of benefits for humans as well: these include a more active lifestyle, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Dog owners in general, have been proven to record higher psychological and mental health levels when compared to non-pet owners. Our canine companions contribute a significant role in facilitating a more active lifestyle, both through a sense of responsibility for our pet’s well-being, but also through social and emotional support.

It’s no surprise then, that activists and policy makers in the Animal Welfare Sector have long promoted the addition of more dog-friendly spaces within our communities. This Government has indeed done its utmost to heed their call. We have long ago recognised how animal welfare and public health are not distinct issues, but rather intrinsically correlate and depend on one another.

It's with this in mind, that during these past few weeks we launched two significant projects, seeking to further promote the benefits of dog ownership in our country.

Thanks to a collaborative effort between the Ministry for Energy, Project Green, Ambjent Malta and the Ħal Safi Local Council, we managed to transform an abandoned area of about 1000 square metres in Ta’ Ġawhar, into an accessible and sustainable dog park. This new area will welcome dog owners and their families, in an area which is safe and accessible for everyone.

Dog-friendly spaces, such as the one in Safi, play a significant role in fostering a sense of community and connection among dog owners and enthusiasts. These spaces serve as meeting grounds for individuals with a shared interest in dogs. They are able to create a platform for like-minded people to connect, exchange experiences, and build relationships. Interactions in these spaces often transcend conversations about dogs, leading to broader social connections, increased neighbourly cooperation, and the establishment of a vibrant community spirit.

We did not stop there however.

Only a few days later, we announced that the number of dog-friendly beaches in Malta is to increase from ten to sixteen, just in time for the months of summer. These beaches will be the perfect place where dogs can cool off during these sweltering summer months.

The dog friendly beaches in Malta include those in Armier, Selmun, Marsaxlokk, Kalkara, Sliema, Baħar ic-Ċagħaq and Marsaskala. For dog owners living in our sister island in Gozo, they can also make use of two bays each in both Marsalforn and Għajnsielem.

Initiatives such as these are only small steps as the Animal Welfare Reform Strategy takes shape and is implemented. Another such step this summer has been the launch of a national cat neutering campaign to help control the population of cats and improve their health.

As a Government, we will continue to advocate for and develop these dog-friendly spaces, as they not only enhance the lives of our beloved pets but also enrich the fabric of our communities. However, these initiatives can only leave a lasting effect if they’re supported by the public.

Together, we will reach the ambitious targets that we have set for animal welfare in our country and I look forward to seeing our vision materialise for the benefit of communities and animals alike.

 

Alicia Bugeja Said is Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights