Activists staged a protest on Saturday to highlight the plight of animals, calling upon the government to take the necessary action.
The activists also wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister, which may be seen below:
This action that is being done today, is being done so that we can continue to put forward the voice and the plight of animals that do not have a voice, who thanks to the NGOs and activists here today we can continue to be their voice. It is clear that the Government and the authorities are not listening to this plight or else you are choosing not to listen because in your eyes animals are not important enough to take the actions needed.
Companion Animals
Let us look at some issues pertaining to companion animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and the like. Several months ago, an open letter endorsed by various animal-related organisations was dispatched to you, Mr Prime Minister.
This letter urgently begged for immediate measures to alleviate the unfortunate situation of animals in Malta. It also included a list of fundamental necessities which had been brought to the attention of your administration over the past months and years, all of which are crucial for enhancing the lives of animals in Malta and Gozo. Regrettably, little has transpired since then.
We find ourselves fatigued by the constant waiting, yearning for a future when change will happen. This change is not sought for ourselves, but rather for the animals who endure silent suffering on a daily basis. The famous reform of the Animal Welfare Directorate, frequently mentioned, has failed to inspire confidence that any substantive action will ever be taken on behalf of these animals. The reality experienced by shelters, animal carers, and activists sharply contrasts with the false narrative presented by the Minister and the Government.
The Labour Government has been in office for nine years, ample time to strategize and implement essential changes to improve animal welfare. The present condition of the Animal Welfare Department is one of despair. As an operator of a sanctuary, the Department ought to represent the highest standards of excellence, aspiring to be the best in Malta. However, the reality we confront is totally the opposite. We believe furthermore that it is imperative to prioritise the implementation and enforcement of a series of legislations:
1. Legislation should be established to regulate the breeding of all animals.
2. Legislation should be introduced to regulate and licence professionals in the pet care industry, including petsitters, groomers, and trainers.
3. Legislation needs to be enacted to address and prevent the isolation of dogs.
4. Mandatory microchipping for cats should be made a legal requirement. In addition, it is crucial to address the operational deficiencies within
Animal Welfare:
1. Adequate resources and commitment are required to ensure effective enforcement of animal welfare laws.
2. Animal Welfare workers should receive appropriate equipment and training in animal handling.
3. A comprehensive nationwide neutering campaign is urgently needed, particularly for cats and dogs.
4. Provision of expanded facilities to accommodate abandoned animals, including the opening of the Ta' Qali ‘rehoming’ Centre.
5. Animal Welfare should have access to suitable vehicles for safe transportation of animals.
6. Enforcement campaigns for dog microchipping are essential.
7. The rising number of abandoned animals, such as pigs, require urgent attention. The existing organisation alone cannot adequately address this issue, as Animal Welfare lacks the necessary capacity, training, and facilities.
8. Campaigns and proactive measures should be undertaken to combat illegal animal fighting. Addressing these legislative and operational gaps will contribute significantly to improving animal welfare and protection within our society.
Other Animals
Regarding the welfare of other animals (which aren’t companion animals), the situation is also very far from satisfactory. The impact of insufficient legislation, lack of enforcement, inadequate resources, and absence of political will is strongly felt in this domain as well.
1. In 2020, your Government released a white paper on zoos, which was swiftly withdrawn within 24 hours and subsequently vanished. Despite the passage of two and a half years since its withdrawal and persistent pressure from operators, your Government has failed to issue a revised white paper. During this period, the situation has continued to deteriorate, and the underlying problems have not vanished. We fear that this delay may be intentional, to accommodate those who exploit these animals, thus ensuring that the interests of operators take precedence over the welfare of the animals if and when the white paper is eventually released.
2. Apart from zoos, the presence of exotic and dangerous animals in our country is on the rise. This can be attributed to misguided policies that allow any animal to enter Malta, coupled with inadequate control over the breeding of existing animals within Malta. Tigers, lions, and pumas are not suitable as pets and should not be kept in private residences. Regrettably, the Government is permitting the importation and breeding of such animals, fully aware that if the Veterinary Regulation Directorate were to conduct an inspection in a private residence and discover an animal, such as a tiger in distress, the Government lacks the ability to confiscate the animal and take appropriate action.
3. The European Union heeded the call of 1.4 million European citizens who demanded an end to animal cages (End the Cage Age). However, it is disheartening to note that the Maltese Government, along with the opposition, is lobbying the Commission to secure an exemption for Malta based on our country's small size, particularly concerning chickens and rabbits. It is regrettable that in the few instances where both parties agree, this is done at the expense of animal welfare. Whether animals are kept in cages in Malta, Germany, or any other EU country, their suffering remains the same. Cages should be eliminated, as has been accomplished in the rest of Europe.
4. Furthermore, your Government, in violation of the European Bird Directive, has opened spring hunting seasons for turtle doves. This is contrary to the efforts being made throughout Europe to protect these birds. Such actions are in direct conflict with the EU and will result in the EU taking legal actions against Malta at the ECJ, potentially resulting in fines and extravagant legal costs, whilst at the same time the Government claims that it doesn’t have funds for Animal Welfare.
5. We urge the Government to take a stand and revoke the licence granted to Mediterraneo Marine Park which operates under the guise of a zoo but is really a circus.
6. Furthermore, the recent amendment to the AW act, which was altered without consultation, and allowing circus acts back in Malta, should be revisited again. The recommendations put forth by animal associations aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of these amendments, were regrettably disregarded.
7. With a display of sheer political arrogance, the government has recently enacted a Legal Notice without any form of public consultation, that permits the use of dangerous animals in film productions conducted in Malta. This Legal Notice was issued by the very same Ministry entrusted with safeguarding animal welfare and not aid those that profit on their exploitation.
8. Several associations have put forth numerous proposals aimed at eventually discontinuing the practice of animal-drawn carriages.
9. In addition, it is crucial to establish regulations that extend animal welfare laws to encompass marine animals. Comprehensive measures are necessary to ensure the wellbeing and protection of these creatures.
Additional Considerations NGOs and activists have consistently emphasised the necessity for comprehensive legal reforms to address the numerous challenges in animal welfare.
1. It is recommended to establish a dedicated cabinet position solely focused on animal-related matters. Furthermore, both the Animal Welfare Directorate (AW) and the Veterinary Regulation Directorate (VRD) should operate under a separate ministry, independent from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to avoid conflict of interest.
2. The appointment of the Animal Welfare Commissioner should be subject to parliamentary approval rather than being solely at the discretion of the Minister. Additionally, the Commissioner should be granted increased executive powers to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
3. The AW and VRD departments should primarily assume regulatory roles, while a dedicated governmental entity should be established to implement crucial initiatives such as neutering campaigns and rehoming efforts. In conclusion, the above-mentioned points only touch upon a fraction of the issues related to animals. It is equally crucial to address the urgent need for protecting nature, preserving natural habitats, and conserving biodiversity.