Vuci ghall-Annimali is calling for an Animal Welfare Agency to be established and put forward proposals for structural reform of Animal Welfare.

The activists came up with a number of proposals to encourage the government to implement a structural change in the AW department with the aim to look after and protect the welfare and well-being of the animals.

In a statement, it said that the necessary investment must be made at the same time which is much needed in this sector. “The ‘Musical Chairs’ of Directors will not solve the chronic problem that this department has.”

Vuci ghall-Annimali, Darryl Grima and Althea Galea have spoken about a proposal whereby the Animal Welfare Department should be split into two. The ‘regulatory’ aspect of the department should remain in the hands of the ‘traditional’ governmental department, whilst the care of animals is to be transferred to an agency set up specifically for this.

“The AW department should not be operating as a sanctuary, (as it currently is), while at the same time it is the regulator and has the duty to enforce regulations,” it said.

the activists pointed out that “the limitation of space, capacity and human resources of the department itself is in itself limiting the number of confiscations and collection of animals from the streets and more.”

It said that this agency should be taking care of:

The animals in it’s care and there should be a suitable place for every type of animal here in Malta since when there are cases of abuse because the state needs to intervene,

Neutering campaigns for cats and dogs,

The agency is to recruit people who want to work in this sector, while providing training for all workers.

There should be financial investment so that the agency can function properly, even by having basic things such as appropriate vehicles and tools,

The long promised rehoming centre of Ta’ Qali should be built and handed over to this agency,

The agency is to make partnerships with animal NGOs so that it can effectively increase the number of animals that can be kept not only dogs and cats, but other animals.

The Department would continue to do:

Inspections on violations of laws or cruelty to animals,

The enforcement of microchips,

Provides funds and grants to animal associations to better operate

The investigative and prosecution role in relation to all aspects of the law, as well as legislation that we hope will eventually happen such as the regulations for breeders, groomers etc.

Education and information campaigns.

Finally Vuci ghall-Annimali recommended that the department as well as the agency should be a Ministry separate and distinct from that of Agriculture.

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