The government has announced a series of initiatives to promote animal protection and welfare in response to a petition initiated by a 15-year old student, Ivar Grech and signed by 40,000 citizens. One of the initiatives announced by Minister for the Environment George Pullicino is a new foundation, to be set up in the coming months, that should ensure animal protection.
The petition is calling for the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. It also highlights the need for a 24-hour animal ambulance and an animal hospital.
Speaking of the foundation, the Minister also said that it will run a national centre for animal welfare. The centre will be located in Ta’ Qali. The centre is expected to comprise an after-care clinic and boarding kennels. It will also feature a section dedicated specifically towards educating and training people about animals.
In turn, a legal notice will be presented in Parliament calling for enhanced enforcement of the upkeep standards of animals in pet shops.
Plans for a 24-hour ambulance are also underway. The 24-hour service is expected to replace a current animal ambulance service which runs on a volutary basis.
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