St Nicholas College in Dingli Secondary School received a visit from Parliamentary Secretary Clint Camilleri this week.

The school is participating in a pilot project where animal welfare is being taught as a subject once a week.

A student at the school spoke to the Parliamentary Secretary about an idea he had to raise money in order to buy kennels for stray dogs often seen near the college.

Parliamentary Secretary Camilleri welcoming the initiative and said that the Animal Welfare Directorate will be helping with this by donating these kennels to the school.

He thanked the Head of School for the warm welcome and remarked that children must be our “small ambassadors” and share what they learn with their families and their community.

Clint Camilleri explained that aside from obligatory subjects, subjects as is animal welfare help in achieving a more holistic education.

He also praised this school for recognising animal welfare as a subject and to take part in the pilot project which had started in October.

The Government is committed to continuing to improve the situation, said Clint Camilleri, and expressed his appreciation for the Animal Welfare Directorate, headed by Noel Montebello, whereby as a result of both its dedication and commitment, improvements are being made in the unprecedented fight against animal cruelty.

In this regard, he encouraged the continuation of such initiatives in order to educate the younger generation on the importance of animal welfare.

Parliamentary Secretary Camilleri commented that the Government is committed to continue providing assistance and introduce measures to aid NGOs.

“Mine, as well as the Government’s commitment to this sector is to continue implementing measures and initiatives in order to improve the present situation,” said the Parliamentary Secretary.

Clint Camilleri said that thanks to the cooperation between the organisations and the Animal Welfare Directorate, “we are continuously working and increasingly more committed to act on reports which are received.”

This year, the Animal Welfare Directorate addressed 5,000 requests for help as it is required to intervene when animals are in distress or require other forms of assistance, he said.

Furthermore, said the Parliamentary Secretary, “more than 1,000 inspections are being carried out, following reports or information received calling for investigations into alleged cruelty to animals.”

“After the original inspection, follow-ups are also carried out, and should the situation worsen, the police are brought in to take further action,” he said.

The Parliamentary Secretary stated that it is important for, and that he is confident that, the relations and cooperation between the Animal Welfare Directorate and organisations for animal care is further strengthened as this allows for the enhancement of awareness against animal cruelty.

Students of St Nicholas College donated blankets for animals under the Animal Welfare Directorate’s care.

The children also had the opportunity to bottle-feed the kittens brought to the school. Service dogs were also present during the Parliamentary Secretary’s visit.

Aside from this pilot project, the Animal Welfare Directorate takes several other initiatives, including visits to summer schools, as showcased last summer, when the department visited dozens of schools in both Malta and Gozo to further educate students about animals.

The Animal Welfare Directorate has an ongoing and intensive campaign for dog and cat adoptions. “The adoption process is done in partnership with NGOs and adoptions are all free of charge. Furthermore, every dog and cat is neutered and microchipped.” said the Parliamentary Secretary.

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