New Maltese Pet Rules: Groomers Will Need A License And Sitters Must Be Registered
People who work with pets will soon have to face more regulation, with new proposed rules laying out the skeleton of what the government has in mind for the industry.
One of the major changes involves pet groomers, who are currently not regulated at all.
Once these laws pass, groomers will have to register with the government, obtain a license issued by the Veterinary Surgeon’s Council and keep written records of all the animals they have groomed and the treatments carried out.
“It is scientifically proven that regular grooming helps in keeping the animal’s hair/fur in good condition by removing dirt, spreading their natural oils throughout their hair, preventing tangles and keeping their skin clean and with less irritant effects,” a consultation document released by the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights reads.
“Grooming is also important to check for fleas and flea dirt, to ensure that the right cure is provided to prevent further spread.”
“It is for this reason that animal grooming requires a good understanding of animal health and welfare, and it is in the interest of the pet itself as well as the pet owner to acquire pet grooming services that are of basic standards and in line with ethical practices. This includes the necessary skills to provide the service, as well as the use of appropriate equipment.”
Meanwhile, pet sitters, who take care of people’s pets while they are abroad, will not need a license but they will have to register themselves with the Animal Welfare Directorate.
Pet sitting establishments will be subject to separate rules to ensure proper standards regarding construction, size, temperature, lighting, ventilation, cleanliness, access to drinking water, sleeping areas, exercise areas and infection control.
Pet sitters shall inspect animals under their care at regular intervals and at least twice a day, a rule aimed to prevent a repeat of what happened last summer when a number of dogs went missing while under the care of a Gozitan sitter.
Stricter regulations for groomers, animal sanctuaries, animal boarding establishments and pet shops have also been proposed.
The full White Paper can be found here and people and organisations have up until 6th November to send the ministry their feedback.
Do you agree with these new regulations?
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