The Parliamentary Secretariat for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights has announced that the role of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare will be filled by former Police Officer, Emanuel Buhagiar.

The role of the new Commissioner is set out in section 44A of the amendment of the Animal Welfare Act, and includes the promotion and implementation of educational campaigns on the protection of animals; promoting compliance with the Act on Animal Welfare; improving cooperation between entities and persons who defend the adequate protection of animals; and the formulation of recommendations for the implementation of issues affecting animal welfare.

The Secretariat said that “this is considered a significant commitment by the Government to address the matter of proper protection for animals, as well as giving them the higher status they deserve.”

As provided in the amendments, the Commissioner also has the power to review and investigate the work of the Council for the Welfare of Animals and Directorates employing this law. The work of the Office of the Commissioner will begin to be published annually.

Emanuel Buhagiar was born in 1957 in Mosta. He worked in the police for 26 years as an officer in the Forensic Laboratory and in 2009 commenced work in the Directorate for Animal Welfare.

As part of this work, Buhagiar brought cases before the Courts of Justice, formulated complaints and prepared reports for the court.

During these six years, Buhagiar brought more than 70 cases of animal cruelty before the Court, including the cases of Star and Gaia among others. He also played a crucial part in helping the police solve the case of the crucifixion of animals in Mosta.

In 2013, Buhagiar was appointed Secretary of the Council for the Welfare of Animals.

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