On Tuesday – World Animal Day – the second edition of the Animal Honours Awards was held, where many people and animals were awarded from the hundreds of nominations received.

It was an opportunity to not only celebrate the creatures that are human’s friends, but also to recognise the people who are involved on a daily basis in relation to the protection of animals.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo said that, “as a Ministry we will continue to work hand in hand with the management of many sanctuaries, with all the volunteers in this field and with all the professionals so that we can continue to reach the main goal, that we look after, in an appropriate way, the rights of animals and even strengthen the infrastructure for many animals that are abandoned or abused.”

The Commissioner for Animal Protection Alison Bezzina reiterated that these awards recognise the work of volunteers and animals and continue to raise the animal protection sector on the national agenda of Malta and Gozo.

“To see that animal protection reaches this peak in the national agenda is the ultimate goal of my office, and mine as commissioner for animal protection,” she added.

In this second edition of the Animal Honours Awards there were 454 nominations for 12 categories.

This year’s winners were:

Animals in Uniform Award – Ilio

Adopted Pet of the Year – Stevey

Smartest Animal Award – Whitey

Most Popular Companion Animal Award – Jojo, Mimi & Bianca

Farm Animal Award – Pawla

Shelter Animal Most Deserving of a Home – Winston

Most Popular Veterinarian Award – Dr. Martha Mifsud

Most Popular Farmer Award – Marilyn Gatt

Most Popular Volunteer Award – Christa Cilia

Most Popular Educator Award – Sharon Scerri

Most Popular Local Council – Mosta Local Council

Most Popular Animal Friendly Establishment – Balzan FC

The following Special Awards were also given:

Special Award of the Director in the Animal Protection Directorate, Patricia Azzopardi – Vincent Ciantar

Special Award of the Commissioner for Animal Protection, Alison Bezzina- Elliot Magro, Police Inspector

Special Award of the Permanent Secretary, Sharlo Camilleri – Dr. Josianne Williams

Special Award of the Parliamentary Secretary, Alicia Bugeja Said – Maria Damato

Special Award of Minister Anton Refalo – Maxine Borg.

Permalink: Animal Honours Awards presented on World Animal Day