Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment George Pullicino, who was present for the launch, said coordination between non-governmental organisations and the veterinary profession to provide assistance in the neutering of strays helps control the stray population in the Maltese islands.
“The Ministry encourages these initiatives as it has been proved that such practices are the only effective and humane methods to reduce the number of strays and abandoned dogs on our streets,” said Minister Pullicino. “Dogs are less likely to roam the streets; unwanted litter is reduced and the quality of life of these animals is improved.”
The Government is currently working on a stray control programme for the Maltese islands which will take off with the microchipping of stray dogs found in sanctuaries. The programme also incorporates medication standards practised in these sanctuaries and the introduction of a quarantine area for the new strays brought in.
“It is also to be noted that when NGOs come together and work as a united front, animal welfare is better secured,” said Mr Pullicino.
Initiatives which the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment is working on include the setting up of a national animal welfare centre in Ta’ Qali to provide NGOs with a centre for training and educational purposes and an after care centre for the recovery of stray animals after having undergone surgery such as neutering. Consultations are also being held with regard to a legal notice which has been drafted to set standards for the housing of animals sold at pet shops. Another draft legislation is being reviewed by British experts on the housing standards in sanctuaries.
DOI – 24.05.2006
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