The meeting took place at the Santana Hotel and was attended by representatives of the Abandoned Animals Association, the Animal Rights Coalition Group, GASA, Island Sanctuary, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, Bugibba/Qawra Feeders, SPCA, Animal Rights Group, Stray Animals Support Groups and the Happy Paws Charity Organisation.

The 10 organisations unanimously agreed that, according to the Animal Welfare Act, abandoning an animal is a punishable offence. They also agreed that every rescued animal should be neutered before being released or re-homed and all the organisations said that the Rural Affairs and Environment Ministry and the Veterinary Services Department had a responsibility to assist in such a programme.

It was also agreed that the main responsibility for abandoned animals is with the government but the NGOs would carry the onus of their care.

Another point that found agreement was a call for the setting up of a 24-hour animal care facility.

The organisations also agreed that breeders and pet-shop owners should keep a register of all animals that go through their books.

It was recommended that the university set up a course for veterinary surgeons and veterinary assistants, since many potential students are discouraged by the expense involved of having to study abroad.

Other points that were agreed were that quarantine facilities should be upgraded and that as the welfare of animals is very much at the heart of the tourists who visit Malta, it is therefore imperative to care for those that are abandoned.

The coalition vowed that it would not fall apart and that they would stick together when it came to cruelty to animals.

They said that the next issue they wanted to take up was the enforcement of regulations.