Thirteen new kennels and air-conditioning systems for cat areas have been installed at the Animal Welfare Department as part of an investment aimed at improving conditions for animals and assisting staff in their daily work.

Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Welfare Alicia Bugeja Said visited the department to see the new facilities and equipment, which include the 13 kennels, air-conditioning systems in areas where cats are kept, and new machinery.

The new kennels are intended to strengthen the facilities available for dogs under the department's care and provide an environment better suited to their needs, while also helping the facility respond to its daily demand.

The air-conditioning systems in the cat areas are particularly intended to provide better conditions during the summer months, when high temperatures can create additional difficulties for animals being housed at the facility.

The department has also invested in new machinery and equipment, which is intended to improve the environment for the animals while helping staff carry out their care and protection work more efficiently.

Bugeja Said the investment formed part of ongoing work to improve animal welfare standards.

"When we invest in our facilities, we are directly investing in the quality of care given to animals," she said. "This investment is not only providing a better and more suitable environment for animals, but is also giving our workers better tools and facilities to carry out their important work."

Animal Welfare Department Director Dennis Sciberras said the new kennels, air conditioning and machinery would have a direct impact on both the department's daily operations and the conditions in which animals are kept.

"The 13 new kennels, air conditioning for the cat areas and improvements in machinery will help us become more efficient and, above all, offer a better environment to the animals under our care," Sciberras said.