Public outrage has forced the government to tweak its plans for a new pet adoption allowance, with parliamentary secretary Clint Camilleri using Facebook to announce the amendments.

Last week, the scheme announced via a press conference by Animal Rights Parliamentary Secretary Clint Camilleri was for a cash allowance of €150 to people who adopted a pet from a sanctuary.

The idea raised harsh criticism from animal lovers and activists at sanctuaries who said government should have supported the sanctuaries directly rather than give cash hand-outs. There were also fears that people adopted pets only for the cash, and abandon the animal soon afterwards.

Camilleri today announced that the scheme will be amended following the feedback received from the public.

People who adopt a pet will be able to choose between claiming back €150 for veterinary expenses on the adopted animal or authorise the government to donate the money to the sanctuary.

Camilleri said the donation from this allowance will be over and above the grants government gives animal sanctuaries for every animal that is re-homed.

Whether this will appease the scheme's detractors remains to be seen.