Eight NGOs and animal sanctuaries, including Gozo SPCA, today received funds, to a combined total of €40,000, through the Animal Welfare fund which was launched by the Government last October.

During a news conference held in one of the sanctuaries that will benefit from this scheme, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Roderick Galdes, said that this is another promise made by the Government towards a “more animal-friendly country.”

The eight organisations that have benefited are AAA, Gozo SPCA, CSAF, Noah’s Ark, Cats & Dogs Shelter, Tomasina National Cat Society, Animal Rights Group, and Stray Animals Support Group.

The selected projects and initiatives include:

– Supply of medicines and food

– Veterinary services

– Neutering of street cats

– Laying of tiles

– Ceilings for a number of kennels

– Vaccines and first aid kits

– Extractor fan

– Housing and other maintenance

Today, the recipients were allocated half the funds to them, with the other half to be awarded upon completion of the project.

The applications for funds are operated by a special committee, so as to ensure transparency and that the allocation of funds goes to the most in need

This committee includes representatives of the Government, Chairman of the Council of Animal Welfare, and a representative of the Maltese Council responsible for the Voluntary Sector Organisations.

Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes also launched the fund for 2016, which will be increased to € 50,000.

He explained how these initiatives are part of a holistic plan by the Government to strengthen the existing structures of animal protection in Malta and Gozo.

Photograph: DOI/Omar Camilleri

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