The Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Roderick Galdes has presented the White Paper on the proposed amendments of theAnimal Welfare Act.
During a press conference held at the Petting Farm he explained that the aim of the White Paper is to address and implement part of the Electoral Manifesto pertaining to animal rights, in particular:
• to transform our country towards a more animal friendly one by way of new laws, infrastructural investment and services;
• to appoint a Commissioner for Animal Welfare;
• to strengthen the role of the Animal Welfare Council; and
• to amplify the penalties against animal cruelty.
In addition to these points, Mr Galdes said that the bill addresses the role of the Director for Animal Welfare, enforcement powers to Animal Welfare Officers and also the ban on the use of animals in circuses within the Maltese islands.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained each point in further detail. He said that the appointment of a Commissioner for Animal Welfare goes in line with the Government’s political commitment. Galdes said that the amended legal provisions shall define the functions and remit of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare, which include the promotion, implementation of and compliance with the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act.
Parliamentary Secretary Galdes also spoke about the Strengthening the Role of the Animal Welfare Council. The proposed amendment, in coherence with the political commitment to strengthen the role of the Animal Welfare Council, is also aiming to implement legislative amendments with the scope of strengthening the role and functions of the Council and to enhance representation from a wide range of sectors, in particular to an additional member representing NGOs and animal welfare groups and a member representing the veterinary surgeons in the private practice.
The Parliamentary Secretary did not fail to mention the introduction of harsher penalties, including prison terms, whereby it is being recommended that on first conviction, the minimum and maximum fine (multa) be doubled, hence from €1,000 to €55,000 and/or a term of imprisonment for a period of three years. On second conviction, the minimum fine (multa) has been loaded by €1,000, and the maximum by €30,000. Therefore offenders shall be liable to a fine ranging between €5,000 and €80,000 and/or imprisonment to a term not exceeding three years.
The White Paper also includes the use of animals in circuses. Following a public outcry especially from NGOs and other animal groups, the Government felt that the use of animals in circuses within the Maltese islands should be banned. Thus, he said, the Government will endeavour to introduce a ban on the use of all species of animals in circuses, whether a circus is a travelling circus or permanently established in Malta.
Last but not least, the White Paper defines the roles of the Director for Animal Welfare and enforcement powers to Animal Welfare Officers, thus empowering them with a stronger legal framework to monitor and to enforce the provisions of the Act, in particular, the right of entry.