Minister, AD favour animal hospital

Environment Minister George Pullicino said yesterday he wanted the Animal Welfare Council to submit a proposal for the setting up of a hospital for abandoned animals.

On the national day for abandoned animals, Mr Pullicino announced that the government intended to keep its promise and establish a financially-viable hospital for animals that would be in accordance with the law.

"However, it is necessary that all organisations involved in animal welfare come together so that the facility would be built properly," Mr Pullicino said. He said the government thanked the increasing number of volunteers who dedicated so much time and energy for animals.

Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday also called for a 24-hour animal hospital to be set up and said that sanctuaries catering for stray animals should receive more support from the authorities. AD made the call after taking part in activities to mark Homeless Animals Day organised by SOS Animals.

AD also reiterated its proposal for the tagging of pets in order to curb "the barbaric practice of abandoning animals on our roads"

"Through tagging, it would be easier to identify the owners of abused and abandoned pets. Thus it would also be easier to prosecute them. It is time for a zero tolerance policy on animal cruelty," AD said.