Activists’ speeches were cut short when Labour MPs started exiting Parliament, with protestors rushing to heckle and boo them as police stood in their way. Particularly loud boos were spared for Bugeja Said, with some protestors criticising her for heading straight to her car instead of addressing them.

The activists also issued the following set of ten proposals

-Animal Welfare officers should truly love animals and should be given the necessary training and resources

-A proper animal emergency service should be set up, manned by people who have the proper knowledge and training about the situation. The animal ambulance should arrive within a few minutes of being called and officers should know what they’re doing and do their utmost to save animals.

-A larger and more adequate place should be set up to house strays and confiscated animals.

-Animal Welfare should be more transparent when communicating with the public and should set up its own Facebook page.

-Existing laws should be better enforced and new laws should be set up to safeguard animals.

-The minister and parliamentary secretary should understand the situation on the ground and take heed of the cries of animal lovers more than “those with ulterior and egoistical interests”.

-There should be a continuous neutering campaign for cats and dogs to reduce the number of strays on the streets 

-More aid should be given to registered cat feeders, particularly with regards vet costs

-A fund that has long been promised for NGOs and animal sanctuaries should be set up 

-The Animal Welfare Commissioner should be given more powers

-Harsher fines should be imposed on animal abusers

Do you agree with the activists’ proposals?