Following the launch of the scheme that will support Local Councils in the implementation of Dog Parks and Cat Cafes projects, an information meeting has been held with Local Councils to provide more details on how they can apply and implement these projects in their communities.

The funding is being offered to Local Councils in Malta and Gozo to establish recreational open spaces, sensory play areas, and green pockets including dog parks and cat cafes.

The meeting was addressed by the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said and the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, who emphasised the importance of this scheme in improving facilities for animals and their owners in localities.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said, “in the discussions we had with various pet owners, the need to create these spaces in communities clearly emerged. Therefore, we wanted to meet with Local Councils to better understand the needs of each community and ensure that these open spaces can truly be enjoyed by families and their pets.”

The Parliamentary Secretary said that the Government is committed to continuing to raise the value of localities, and this scheme will support Local Councils to have open spaces in communities with a section dedicated to animals, such as gardens with cat cafes or dog parks.

“Through this scheme we are giving another opportunity to Local Councils to continue to enhance localities with projects that will benefit both residents and pets,” said the Parliamentary Secretary.

The Director of Animal Welfare Joseph John Vella presented in detail the criteria and the application process, while practical information was provided on the implementation and operation of the projects. In addition, Francoise Chetcuti, Stakeholder Manager at Project Green, explained the entity’s role in financing and technical support for the projects.

The scheme provides up to €50,000 per project, with a total investment of €750,000, and is aimed at encouraging the creation and regeneration of open spaces that integrate facilities dedicated to animals. Project Green will supply funds for these dog parks and cat cafes, while the Local Councils will take care of the implementation as well as the maintenance of these parks once they are completed.

Conditions apply, including that the area must be at least 1500 square metres in size, with 20% of it dedicated to animals. ?

This scheme is being administered by the Animal Welfare Directorate, where applications will be accepted through submission on https://animalwelfare.gov.mt/rizorsi/skemi/ until the 31st of May.

Photo: DOI/Pierre Sammut

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