Beyond The Bark: MSPCA Calls For Urgent Dog Ownership Reforms After St Paul’s Bay Tragedy
After a dog was shot by the police earlier this morning after it attacked its owner who was trying to separate his two dogs from fighting, MSPCA have shared a powerful public statement.
MSPCA has called for sweeping, urgent reforms to how Malta handles high-energy or strong dog breeds, training, and animal behaviour, warning that incidents like this aren’t just tragic, they’re preventable.
“This was not the act of an inherently dangerous animal. It was the product of unmet needs, unregulated guidance, and a lack of appropriate support for owners of powerful breeds.”
Instead of reactive bans or breed-specific fear, the organisation is pushing for four major reforms that focus on responsibility, not blame:
1. Mandatory Licensing and Structure Training
For owners of strong or high-energy dog breeds, to equip, not punish.
2. Comprehensive, breed-neutral legislation
To ensure fairness and safety, while avoiding stereotypes.
3. A national framework for public education
So owners know how to prevent problems before they arise.
4. Immediate regulation of pet behaviour professionals.
No more self-appointed “trainers” risking lives with unqualified advice.
The MSPCA says the sector is dangerously unregulated, and it’s time for Malta to move from fear-based reactions to long-term responsibility and education.
“Behind every growl or bite is a dog reacting to its environment, not a monster, but a reflection of how we, as a society, have cared, guided, or failed them.”
What do you make of the proposed reforms?
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