Animal Awards Show Should Be Cancelled And Funds Used In Desperately Needed Areas, Moira Delia Urges
Prominent animal activists are calling for the upcoming second edition of the Animal Awards to be scrapped so the funds earmarked for it can be used to address sorely needed ongoing problems plaguing the sector.
“Dear Minister Anton Refalo,” Animal Diaries host Moira Delia starts in a status that has been replicated by other prominent activists, including RAR’s Romina Frendo.
“Whilst Real Animal Rights Foundation fully supports the fact that the Animal Awards are held in recognition of the formidable work done, we feel that in this current climate… we need all funds diverted,” Delia continued.
“Owners are irresponsibly abandoning their pets for 101 reasons, most of which are just based on sheer short-sightedness and lack of awareness of the fact that a pet is for life.”
Saying that she supports the recognition being given to those who dedicate their time and lives to helping animals, she said there were bigger priorities right now – and the funds used on the ceremony could be better spent on finding spaces for abandoned pets and funds to help safely confiscate abused animals.
“We can still recognise work done but use much needed funds in these two areas in particular with immediate effect. Please listen to our plea,” she ended.
The call has been echoed by the Office of the Animal Commissioner, who agrees with the sentiment.
The Animal Awards were first launched last year to celebrate the island’s bravest and most beloved animals.
Organised by the Animal Rights Ministry in collaboration with the Commission for Animal Welfare, the Animal Honours Awards also aims to raise awareness on the subject of animal treatment and bring it to the forefront of the national agenda while celebrating the success stories of notable animals over the past year.
Beyond the awards, Malta’s animal sector has long been plagued by a lack of resources, available workers and a severe need for beds and housing to keep the rising number of strays in.
Earlier today, a report by the Animal Commissioner pinpointed a series of weaknesses in the state’s response to animal emergencies, issuing 10 recommendations to help better the sector.
Do you think the Animal Awards ceremony should be held anyway, or cancelled and funds diverted?
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