Sixty-two per cent of participants in a survey commissioned by the Office of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare said they believed the courts of law were not harsh enough with people who breach animal welfare regulations.
Key areas of the survey included enforcement, legal proceedings, public awareness, veterinary services, pricing, challenges, confidence in local authorities, and the Commissioner's role. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the study interviewed 516 respondents from Malta and Gozo through Computer-Aided Telephone Interviewing (CATI), ensuring a nationally representative sample by gender, age, and region using a quota and random-digit dialling method.
Conducted between June 10 and 26, 2024, the survey was overseen by trained supervisors, with questionnaires available in both English and Maltese, aligning with ESOMAR’s ICC Code of Market and Social Research Practice.
Enforcement of animal welfare laws is perceived as moderately effective, with a mean effectiveness score of 68.8%. However, 62% of respondents feel that the Maltese courts are not harsh enough with violators.
A strong majority, 87%, supports the appointment of a dedicated magistrate specialised in animal welfare cases.
Public awareness is seen as lacking by 64% of respondents, aligning with the perception that public awareness (49%) and enforcement (34%) are major challenges in animal welfare.
Satisfaction with veterinary services is relatively high, scoring a 76% mean satisfaction rate, yet veterinary service pricing is considered expensive, reflected in a lower satisfaction score of 45.5%.
Over half of the respondents (54%) have noticed improvements in animal welfare over the past three years, citing increased awareness, fewer strays, more responsible ownership, and better laws as key enhancements.
Awareness of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare stands at 54%, but when further questioned about the office after providing a description, an additional 12% of those previously unaware acknowledged knowing of it.
Pet ownership is highest among the 18 to 24 age group at 82%, with the 65+ age group at 44%, possibly deterred by high veterinary costs.
Public Awareness is consistently highlighted across almost all age groups as a primary challenge for animal welfare, with the youngest group equally concerned about enforcement.