The Government has announced in a statement that funds have been launched to continue helping animal sanctuaries through the Animal Welfare Fund.

Among the list of recipients of these funds are sanctuaries and NGOs such as the AAA-Abandoned Animals Association, and are granted to enable them to invest in infrastructure and capital projects with the aim to improve their site facilities.

In this year’s budget, the Government allocated €85,000, however it will be giving €115,680 to 15 NGOs, half of which were donated yesterday, with a further 30% of the amount expected to be awarded in May, it said.

Although the original signed contracts stipulate that at this stage only 50% of the total amount of the project will be awarded, the Government said that it collaborated with the State Attorney’s office to amend the contracts so that another 30% could be awarded, in view of the difficulties that NGOs are facing due to the current situation of Covid-19.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo visited the AAA sanctuary, and emphasised that, “the Animal Welfare sector is very important, and is indeed a priority to this Ministry. Together with NGOs, we are constantly working diligently to give these animals the care they need”.

Photo: DOI/Jeremy Wonnacott

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