New Cat Feeders Scheme Allocating €350,000 To Relieve Some Of The Current Financial Burden
In the coming days, the Cat Feeders Regulations 2024 will come into effect, providing guidelines for individuals caring for stray cats. This announcement was made by Minister Anton Refalo, accompanied by Parliamentary Secretaries Alicia Bugeja Said and Alison Zerafa Civelli.
These regulations aim to recognise and support the efforts of those caring for stray cats across the country.
Financial assistance will continue to be provided to cat feeders for their invaluable work. Additionally, the regulations will establish a registry for individuals feeding these cats, to be maintained by local councils, updated monthly, and submitted to the Directorate for Animal Welfare.
As part of these regulations, a voucher scheme has been introduced to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by cat feeders. With an allocation of €350,000 for this scheme, vouchers will be distributed to cat feeders to purchase dry food from approved suppliers for the cats in their care.
Minister Anton Refalo emphasised that these regulations, along with the voucher scheme, demonstrate the government’s commitment to enhancing animal welfare, particularly for stray cats.
He acknowledged the significant contribution of hundreds of volunteers and assured continued financial support through national funds to sustain their efforts.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stated, “This scheme for Cat Feeders is a significant step forward in supporting those dedicating their time and resources to caring for stray cats. Through these vouchers, we ensure that these animals receive the nutrition they need while alleviating financial burdens on caretakers. We will continue working to ensure that every animal receives proper care and more resources as needed.”
On her part, Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli expressed satisfaction in seeing local councils actively involved in caring for cats living in streets and communal spaces. She encouraged collaboration between cat feeders and local councils in the best interest of stray cats.
Registration for cat feeders will be conducted at Local Councils in Malta and Gozo until the end of July 2024.
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