The awards have been presented for the first edition of Animal Honours Awards, during a ceremony held on World Animal Day, which also marks the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

The event was was held in the presence of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, Dr Lydia Abela, as well as the Commissioner for Animal Welfare Alison Bezzina.

The main goal of the Animal Honours Awards is to raise awareness about animal welfare, as well as being an opportunity to celebrate four-legged and feathered friends and acknowledge the people involved in all aspects of animal welfare who live it on a daily basis.

“Although animal lovers do not do what they do for praise or awards, such an event is important because it continues to raise the issue of animal welfare higher up in the national agenda. It helps keep the issue top of mind with people in authority as well as the general public. This is essential to bring about much-needed changes in this sector, and to improve people’s mentality about the treatment of animals,” explained Commissioner Bezzina.

The first edition of the awards was highly contested, with 781 nominations across 20 categories being submitted. “This high participation rate confirms the need for such an event that allows the public to recognise the hard work of so many animal lovers,” said Minister Refalo.

Minister Refalo thanked the team within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food, and Animal Rights for bringing this idea to life. He also thanked the Office of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare for its collaboration, as well as the Directorate for Animal Welfare, especially the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to help rescued animals.

Dr. Lydia Abela said that this event is another national recognition of another step forward for animal welfare and animal rights. “I believe that this is a sign that as a nation we are continuing to mature in our respect towards animals and strengthening our belief in the important role that animals have in our communities.”

Dr. Abela said that these national awards recognise the important link between animals and humans. The awards recognise people who work with and for animals – from vets to farmers and journalists who raise awareness with their stories, as well as the importance of animals themselves – from service animals who enable people to live a more independent life, to brave and smart animals who inspire people.

“We need to continue working towards a better future where animals form part of the family with people, to live in a more beautiful environment of open spaces and better quality of life,” explained Dr. Lydia Abela.

The Commissioner for Animal Welfare Alison Bezzina expressed her gratitude towards all those who work to improve the lives of animals. “We had many nominations for these awards, but there are so many more who do brilliant work behind the scenes. They too deserve all the praise in the world.”

Commissioner Bezzina said that she will continue to work in every way to make sure that ‘animal welfare continues to be given the importance it deserves, and so that people’s mentality towards animals continues to change for the better. I’m full of hope that we will continue to see positive changes in everything that has to do with animal welfare.”

The awards were presented as below:

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