Offenders guilty of animal cruelty could face €80,000 fine

Parliamentary secretary for animal rights Roderick Galdes launches white paper on proposed amendments to Animal Welfare Act

Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes Photo: Reuben Piscopo/DOI
Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes Photo: Reuben Piscopo/DOI

Offenders found guilty of animal cruelty could face up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of €80,000, according to the proposed amendments to the Animal Welfare Act.

Launching the white paper on the proposed amendments, parliamentary secretary for animal rights Roderick Galdes detailed the envisaged amendments, which amongst other proposals envisage an outright ban on all animal circuses and the appointment of a commissioner for Animal Welfare.

The penalties against animal abuse have in recent years seen animal rights’ groups at loggerheads with the courts and the legislators. Often dubbed as ‘paltry,’ the punishments against animal cruelty are now envisaged for revision.

“In line with its electoral manifesto, the government is proposing harsher penalties for anyone found guilty of animal cruelty – a step in the right direction to deter animal cruelty,” Galdes explained.

The white paper proposes that offenders guilty of animal cruelty on first conviction would face a maximum fine of €55,000 and a maximum imprisonment term of three years while on second conviction, the maximum fine would increase to €80,000.

“Following a public outcry especially from NGOs and the Animal Rights Coalition, the white paper is envisaging an outright ban on all animal circuses, irrespective whether it is a travelling one or permanent one established in Malta,” the junior minister said.

The white paper is also proposing the appointment of a Commissioner for Animal Welfare.

“The commissioner would be tasked with investigating any cases of animal rights’ abuse, assist the government and animal rights’ lobbyists and in addition, the commissioner would be able to review and audit the workings of the animal welfare council and of the directorate for animal welfare and veterinary services,” he explained.

The amendments also propose a shake-up within the Animal Welfare council – most notably the prime minister’s appointment of a Chairman.

Bringing the number of NGO representatives in the council up to three, the white paper is envisaging the appointment of an additional member representing NGOs and animal welfare groups.

The director for animal welfare himself would become a member within the council.

Furthermore, the amendments also aim to enhance the powers of animal welfare officers.

“The white paper proposes to give officers the right to carry out inspections and to seize animals in the event of ill treatment both in habitable as well as non-habitable dwellings,” Galdes continued.