Malta and Denmark lead the way on animal welfare

When Denmark announced this summer that it was replacing its traditional agriculture ministry with a ministry for nature and animal welfare, it did far more than rename a government department. It made a statement about the kind of society it wants to build.

For generations, animal welfare has largely been treated as an extension of agricultural policy. That thinking is changing. Across Europe, there is growing recognition that the way we care for animals reflects much more than farming practices. It says something about our values, our respect for life and the type of communities we aspire to create.

Malta has embraced that same vision.

The re-elected government, under the leadership of Robert Abela, established a parliamentary secretariat dedicated exclusively to animal welfare, while agriculture, fisheries and food supply became the responsibility of a separate ministry. This was more than an administrative reshuffle; it was a clear political statement that animal welfare deserves dedicated political attention.

Europe is following the same path. In 2024, for the first time in the European Union’s history, the European Commission appointed a commissioner whose official title explicitly includes animal welfare. Malta, however, had already taken that step a decade earlier. In 2014, a Labour government established the office of Commissioner for Animal Welfare, demonstrating long before the EU that animal welfare warranted dedicated institutional leadership.

Here, I would like to congratulate Inspector Elliot Magro on his appointment as Commissioner for Animal Welfare and wish him every success in this important role. His appointment has been welcomed by several animal welfare NGOs, activists and the Momentum Party, all of whom have expressed confidence in the work that lies ahead. Surprisingly, however, the Nationalist Party has so far remained silent, choosing not to issue any public statement on the appointment. I also wish to thank Fleur Abela for her dedication and commitment during her tenure as commissioner, and for the valuable contribution she made to advancing animal welfare in Malta.

The institutional structures may differ from one country to another, but the message is remarkably consistent. Whether in Malta, Denmark or at European level, animal welfare is no longer viewed as an issue that quietly sits within another ministry. It has become a public policy priority in its own right.

That matters because our understanding of animals has evolved. Today, protecting animals is about far more than preventing cruelty. It means promoting responsible ownership, investing in veterinary care, strengthening enforcement, encouraging education and ensuring that both companion animals and farm animals are treated with dignity throughout their lives.

Malta has already embraced this broader vision through continued investment in dog parks, educational initiatives, stronger enforcement and close collaboration with local councils and voluntary organisations. Yet our work is far from over. We must continue strengthening partnerships between government, veterinarians, researchers, educational institutions and the many volunteers whose dedication has long sustained this sector.

The choices being made in Malta, Denmark and across the EU point towards a wider shift in public policy. Animal welfare is increasingly recognised as an essential element of sustainable development, healthier communities and responsible governance. Also, services related to animal welfare are becoming an effective niche of economic growth.

As a government, we believe compassion should never be separated from policymaking. The way we treat animals reflects the values we choose to uphold as a society. That is why we remain committed to strengthening animal welfare, ensuring it is not viewed simply as a legal obligation, but as a national priority that will continue to shape the future of our country.