Minister Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said on Friday announced the beneficiaries of the Animal Welfare Fund, the government said.

This fund is testament to Government's commitment towards animals, a statement issued by the Agriculture Ministry said. With an expenditure of €85,000, this fund is designed to financially assist animal welfare organisations with regards to medical expenses, education and information on research and care, and animal rehoming. A total of 15 applicants were eligible for this fund.

NGOs could apply to be eligible for funds to organise educational workshops and seminars, and campaigns to raise awareness of animal welfare, for costs related to medicinal supplies, food and treatment of animals, and also for training on rehoming services, and to cover transport costs related to rehoming.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo explained that animal welfare goes beyond the regulatory process, as it also includes education and collaboration which are important for this sector. "Today we are seeing how fifteen non-governmental organisations will start implementing projects related to education, animal care, and rehoming processes. With this fund we are directly helping those organisations that make a big difference in our society, and who, through their commitment, give a voice to animals."

The Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said emphasised the importance of this scheme to further strengthen the work in favour of animal welfare. "This investment is proof of our commitment as a government to continue supporting organisations working for the benefit of animals. Through this scheme, we are giving direct aid to educational initiatives, medical treatments, and rehoming services, to ensure a better future for animals in need."

The Director for Animal Welfare, Joseph John Vella, explained that each organisation had the possibility of benefiting from a maximum grant of €8,000. The aid was granted on 80% of the total project to be completed within one year of the signing the contract.

This scheme was open to non-governmental organisations working voluntarily and not for profit in favour of animal welfare and they had to be registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.