The Animal Hospital at Ta' Qali is set to reopen and will also be offering veterinaty courses, the government announced Friday. No date has been given, according to a statement issued by the Department of Information.

In August 2023, the animal private hospital, which is the only hospital of its kind in Malta, had to suspend its services due to extensive damage caused by a power surge. This resulted in damage to the equipment being used in the hospital. Animal lovers had regularly complained that the lack of an animal hospital had jeopardised treatment of animals who were sick.

Addressing the media, Animal Welfare Minister Anton Refalo said that efforts were made to remedy the situation at the Animal Hospital, and our country will once again have an animal hospital from which veterinary services will be offered, including long-term animal care.

The minister did not say when the hospital will be reopened.

On his part, Education Minister Clifton Grima said that in recent years, the government had been responsive to the requests of students aspiring to careers as veterinarians. Therefore, a Study Fund was set up to financially support those students who needed to pursue this study abroad.

"We are announcing further significant steps today because now all those who wish to pursue a career in this field can do so in their own country. When we talk about the new National Education Strategy, we emphasize that it puts the individual at the centre. What we are announcing today is a clear example of this: we listened to the desires of the students, we saw what their aspirations for the future were, and we worked to make this a reality – in our own country," said Grima.

Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said said that through the renewed use of the animal hospital, the Government will continue to enhance the services offered for animal welfare.

"For the first time, we will be offering a course in Malta for prospective veterinarians, encouraging more students to delve into medical studies for a better welfare of animals," Bugeja Said concluded.