Animal Rights NGOs And Activists Rally In Support Of Animal Welfare Commissioner
Animal rights NGOs and activists have expressed their concerns over a decision by the Broadcasting Authority to reprimand Commissioner of Animal Welfare, Alison Bezzina.
The shock comes after Bezzina’s televised statement that it is contradictory to profess love for animals while eating them, ignited a controversy.
During a program aired on TVM last April, Bezzina used the image of someone claiming to love dogs while eating Chihuahua legs to illustrate her point, suggesting that the same principle applies to all animals.
She highlighted the inconsistency in claiming to love cows, pigs, chickens, and other farm animals, yet continuing to consume them. Bezzina suggested this contradicts the notion of genuine love and care for all animals and their well-being.
The complaint to the Broadcasting Authority that led to Bezzina’s reprimand came from Malcolm Borg, a representative of the animal agriculture lobby. Borg, who heads ‘Għaqda Bdiewa Attivi’ and ‘The Malta Agricultural Consultative Council,’ had previously criticised Bezzina’s comments about the cruelty involved in milk production on Milk Day.
Darryl Grima, a vegan activist from Vuċi għall-Annimali, emphasised that choosing meat and dairy is inconsistent with caring for animals, the environment, and one’s health.
He cited the United Nations recognition of meat and dairy production as significant contributors to climate change and classified processed meat and red meat as carcinogens.
In this context, many NGOs and activists argue that Bezzina’s stance aligns with her role as Commissioner for Animal Welfare.
They assert that any differing opinion would undermine the commissioner’s capacity to fulfill her role and turn her into a puppet.
What is your opinion on this controversy?