The Nationalist Party said Saturday that whoever loves animals cannot accept cruelty.

The PN was reacting to a video published by AAA depicting the distressing situation of a fox terrier being picked up by Animal Welfare officers after sustaining serious injuries. 

“It is unacceptable that all staff in various roles within the Directorate for Animal Welfare, whether they are officials, carers, or handlers, are not provided with continuous training to enhance their skills while delivering optimal services to animals. Additionally, at times, these workers may lack the necessary tools to fulfil their duties," PN’s Animal rights speaker Janice Chetcuti said in the statement.

In light of the gravity of the incident, the Office of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare said it has formally initiated an investigation, aligning with the provisions outlined in Article 44A(2)(f) of the Animal Welfare Act.

The PN said that the animal hospital in Ta' Qali has been closed since August, resulting in a vacuum in animal care on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week, including cases of complex surgeries for animals.

It said that under a Nationalist Government, the San Franġisk Centre was inaugurated, later known as the APH.

“In recent months, nothing has been done regarding the functioning of a re-homing centre for animals. The establishment of an animal cemetery, which was occasionally mentioned by the government, has also not been realised.”