A new scheme called the Animal Welfare Fund, with an investment of €85,000 from the Government, will provide financial assistance to sanctuaries and voluntary or non-governmental organisations that take care of animals.

This was announced during a news conference by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, together with the Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said.???

Minister Anton Refalo said that, ”what we are seeing today continues to build on the work we have already done in this area, with the recent ones being the reopening of the Animal Hospital where we even announced that as from the next academic year it will we are starting a veterinary course in our country.”

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said explained that such schemes are very important because they offer support to sanctuaries and animal associations. “Without their work, we certainly cannot reach the number of animals we are currently reaching. This scheme will help these organisations and sanctuaries continue to offer the service they are providing, while relieving them of some of their costs.”

Animal Welfare Director Joseph John Vella explained what are the criteria by which one can apply for these funds and how the funds will be distributed according to the three priorities, which are: education and information, medical expenses, and the allocation of animals.

Photo: DOI/Omar Camilleri

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