Stop cruelty to animals in Malta. This is how YOU can help.
5 May 2015, published by LITTLEROCK.com.mt
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” - Mahatma Gandhi
So where does Malta stand?
Environment Minister Leo Brincat, replying to a parliamentary question by Mario Galea (PN), said that of 325 reports of cruelty to animals received between January and March this year by the Animal Rights Directorate, 280 were concluded and 45 were still being inspected to verify that any shortcomings were rectified. Meanwhile, 9 other cases are currently being tried in the criminal courts.
While an Animal Welfare act was implemented in 2001, in October 2014 the Maltese parliament approved a bill that imposes harsher penalties against those found guilty of animal cruelty. Fines were augmented to anything between €1,000 and €80,000 while one could receive up to a three year jail sentence. Animal circuses were also banned in the Maltese Islands. In November 2014, Emanuel Buhagiar was appointed Commissioner for Animal Welfare.
But is this enough?
Perhaps it is not all about penalties; it would appear that better education is required in schools and homes while a general culture of protection rather than abuse of animals needs to be instilled in the minds and hearts of the Maltese people. However, change begins with each one of us first. If you become aware of any animal cruelty, you have the right to stay silent, but be aware that that voiceless creature will continue to suffer if you do not speak on its behalf.
In case you have any suspicions, kindly report them to the Animal Welfare Department, which can be contacted by telephone on: 2292 4132 , 2292 4113 and 2292 4247 (08.00 - 15.00h) or 1717 (24/7 free phone) and email: animalwelfare.mrra@gov.mt or animalwelfare.msdec@gov.mt.
Useful telephone numbers:Animal Cruelty - report to Animal Welfare: 2292 4132, 2292 4113 and 2292 4247 (08.00 - 15.00h) or 1717 (24/7 free phone)
Animal Clinic Open 24/7 - Centru San Frangisk, Ta' Qali: 2142 3100
Animal Ambulance for Abandoned or Injured Animals 24/7 (free service): 2292 4132 or 1717 free phone
Animal Emergency Service - 24-hour vet service at any time of day or night (€ 5.00 per call): 5250 2000
Veterinary Emergency Helpline - for immediate professional advice on how best to deal with your emergency: 7940 4030
Removal of dead domestic animals - call your Local Council
International Animal Rescue: 9947 1212
So where does Malta stand?
Environment Minister Leo Brincat, replying to a parliamentary question by Mario Galea (PN), said that of 325 reports of cruelty to animals received between January and March this year by the Animal Rights Directorate, 280 were concluded and 45 were still being inspected to verify that any shortcomings were rectified. Meanwhile, 9 other cases are currently being tried in the criminal courts.
While an Animal Welfare act was implemented in 2001, in October 2014 the Maltese parliament approved a bill that imposes harsher penalties against those found guilty of animal cruelty. Fines were augmented to anything between €1,000 and €80,000 while one could receive up to a three year jail sentence. Animal circuses were also banned in the Maltese Islands. In November 2014, Emanuel Buhagiar was appointed Commissioner for Animal Welfare.
But is this enough?
Perhaps it is not all about penalties; it would appear that better education is required in schools and homes while a general culture of protection rather than abuse of animals needs to be instilled in the minds and hearts of the Maltese people. However, change begins with each one of us first. If you become aware of any animal cruelty, you have the right to stay silent, but be aware that that voiceless creature will continue to suffer if you do not speak on its behalf.
In case you have any suspicions, kindly report them to the Animal Welfare Department, which can be contacted by telephone on: 2292 4132 , 2292 4113 and 2292 4247 (08.00 - 15.00h) or 1717 (24/7 free phone) and email: animalwelfare.mrra@gov.mt or animalwelfare.msdec@gov.mt.
Useful telephone numbers:Animal Cruelty - report to Animal Welfare: 2292 4132, 2292 4113 and 2292 4247 (08.00 - 15.00h) or 1717 (24/7 free phone)
Animal Clinic Open 24/7 - Centru San Frangisk, Ta' Qali: 2142 3100
Animal Ambulance for Abandoned or Injured Animals 24/7 (free service): 2292 4132 or 1717 free phone
Animal Emergency Service - 24-hour vet service at any time of day or night (€ 5.00 per call): 5250 2000
Veterinary Emergency Helpline - for immediate professional advice on how best to deal with your emergency: 7940 4030
Removal of dead domestic animals - call your Local Council
International Animal Rescue: 9947 1212
