The National Animal Movement Malta was launched today at the Plant Protection Directorate in Attard. Its aim is to raise public awareness on respecting animals.

The first planned activity is a Festa Familja bl-Annimali / Family Fest with Animals at the Ta’ Qali Family Park.

We are inviting the public from the age of 9 months to 109! Anyone who loves animals and wants to learn more about how to care for our pets, what to do in case of emergencies or when seeing an animal suffering abuse is invited to join.

The event is calling on all members of the public to participate and is seeking artists, musicians, actors, singers, entertainers, particularly to entertain children, to join us by contacting us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalAnimalMovementMalta or by writing to us on [email protected]. All participating children and youth groups will be given a certificate of participation by the Ministry for Animal Welfare when submitting song, drawing, dance or art form.

We are also seeking the sponsorship and commitment of businesses/companies to support our event by providing gifts for raffles, monetary donations to support our NGO’s, or donations in kind for entertainment and event setup.

NGOs/Groups/Individuals so far forming part of the National Animal Movement: RAR, Fostering and Homing Paws, Maxine’s Buddy’s Lost and Found Page, CLAWS, AAA, RMJ, Angels for Paws – Ackerley Pace, Fiona Felice Tomic, Fabio Spiteri, Kitty Guardians, Christa Cilia, Sunshine Animal Sanctuary, Island Sanctuary, Zejtun Stray Cats, Second Chance (Rebecca Galea), Rescued Cats Malta (Gwen Spiteri), HUH (Help Us Help), Vuċi Għall-Annimali, Innocent Paws (Maria D’Amato), Debbie’s Little Angels.

WHY?

The aim is one simple agenda - that of raising public awareness as to their duty to respect animals and to offer help, wherever animals are seen in distress; to foster a social awareness as to the responsibility each one of us has to protect them and to speak up and take action so that animals live in appropriate conditions.

WHO?

The Movement is made up of anyone who has the love of animals at heart. From NGOs to the general public, from the eldest to the youngest we all play a part in fostering a culture of education and social awareness for things to improve. There is strength in numbers, and our movement aims to bring all animal lovers together to place the welfare of animals on the national political agenda, by proving that this is a cause close to people’s hearts. No NGO name will be flaunted or take center stage - this is the moment for animals and not for individuals or NGOs to shine. Animals are the protagonists.

WHAT next?

 Preparation for a Festa Familja Style with Animals as the main focus - educational talks, workshops, hands-on contact with animals seeking adoption from the various shelters, food, song, sound and stories of joy and love, of love and loss and what animals can give but most importantly what WE can give them. The aim is to INSPIRE, EDUCATE and OBSERVE the living world around us. Competition/ Song/ Drama/ Art/ Dance is encouraged with the same theme.

We are willing to entertain all sorts of ideas that EDUCATE the general public and that lead to the AFFIRMATION of a promise to be guardians to those who have no voice of their own. This is the legacy we must leave behind and one way of bringing the social change we so much need, and it starts with US, and with TOMORROW's adults -today's children. This is why a key focus must also be on the next generation, in whom we must instill love and respect for our friends.

We are seeking the active participation of ANYONE interested and ANYONE includes everyone including political figures who are the ones we need to set an example and direction for. Animals need us to come together - let us do so.

NGOs/Groups/Individuals so far forming part of the National Animal Movement: RAR, Fostering and Homing Paws, Maxine’s Buddy’s Lost and Found Page, CLAWS, AAA, RMJ, Angels for Paws – Ackerley Pace, Fiona Felice Tomic, Fabio Spiteri, Kitty Guardians, Christa Cilia, Sunshine Animal Sanctuary, Island Sanctuary, Zejtun Stray Cats, Second Chance (Rebecca Galea), Rescued Cats Malta (Gwen Spiteri).