The Nationalist Party said Saturday it will continue to be the voice of animals and of all those in our country who hold their wellbeing dear.

Today, 4 October, as the world marks World Animal Day, the PN recalled its consistent work in favour of animal welfare and in support of those who dedicate themselves to these creatures.

It was a Nationalist Government that strengthened the protection of animals by establishing the Directorate for Animal Welfare and, for the first time, introduced strong enforcement against those who abused animals in any way. It was also a Nationalist Government that opened the San Franġisk Centre, the PN said.

This was the first and only animal hospital in Malta, offering round-the-clock medical care and services for animals, seven days a week, ensuring that help was available at any hour if an animal needed urgent treatment.

Regrettably, this hospital has now been closed for over 26 months - clear proof of how little Robert Abela's Government cares about the health of our animals, the PN said.

Many families, during this period, have lost beloved pets because they required urgent medical attention and could not find any other veterinary clinic open during the hours the hospital once operated.

Despite repeated questions, the government continues to remain silent on when the hospital will reopen, while also failing to provide any alternative solutions in the meantime.

This has left pet owners living in constant fear that, should their animal require emergency care at unusual hours, they may lose their companion forever. Sadly, such cases are reported almost every week.

A new Nationalist Government will be committed not only to reopening the Animal Hospital and restoring this vital project, but also to expanding the services it offers. It will create further benefits for those who feed and care for abandoned animals, provide stronger support for the protection of farm animals, and introduce additional safeguards for exotic species.

The PN said it will also ensure that existing animal welfare laws are properly enforced, so that animals are genuinely and fully protected under the law. Because the Partit Nazzjonalista will remain the true voice of animals - and of those who care for them.