Enhancing Animal Rights: Government Allocates €85,000 for Welfare Fund
The scheme named The Animal Welfare Fund with an investment of €85,000 from the Government will provide financial assistance to animal shelters and voluntary or non-governmental organisations that care for animals. This was announced during a conference by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said.
The Animal Welfare Fund is established with a commitment to support those organisations and shelters providing services to animals, with the aim of raising more awareness about the importance of domestic animals in our community and furthering animal rights in our country.
Minister Anton Refalo emphasised, “Through this government initiative, we continue to uphold our commitment outlined in the Electoral Manifesto ‘Malta Together.’ What we are witnessing today is the continuation of the diligent work we have already done in this field, with recent achievements such as the renovation of the Animal Hospital and the initiation of the veterinary course in the academic year ahead. This progress is a testament to the dedication we have shown in the field of animal rights through a series of measures implemented in recent weeks, months, and years, to ensure ongoing support for our partners.”
Schemes like these are incredibly important as they provide tangible evidence of the valuable work being done by shelters and animal welfare organisations, Bugeja explained.
“The Government acknowledges this work in favour of animal protection and rights being carried out by voluntary organisations and shelters. Without their work, we certainly cannot curb the number of animals being neglected currently,” continued the Parliamentary Secretary.
She concluded by stating that this scheme is merely a gesture of appreciation to continue supporting these organisations and shelters in their service provision, while easing their financial burdens.
The Director of the Department for Animal Welfare, Joseph John Vella, outlined the criteria for applying for these funds and how they will be allocated according to three defined priorities: education and awareness, medical expenses, and animal allocation.
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