The Green Party this morning confirmed its position towards protecting animals from all forms of cruelty.

Addressing a news conference, chairman Michael Briguglio said: “In parliament AD will be the voice of animal welfare and rights.”

Spokeswoman Angele Deguara said: “The enforcement of animal welfare legislation should be strengthened and harsher punishment should be meted out for crimes relating to animal cruelty, such as dog and cock fighting, animal abandonment or neglect. AD is also for abolishing hunting in spring and for more effective enforcement against hunting illegalities.”

Ms Deguara said the authorities should not issue permits for circuses with performing animals whilst cruelty related to other practices such as animal husbandry and keeping of exotic pets should be better addressed.

Regular monitoring should be carried out in pet-shops and other establishments to ensure provision of adequate conditions. The adoption of abandoned and stray animals should concurrently be encouraged and promoted as the preferred form of pet ownership, she said.
Animal welfare spokesman Simon Galea said:

“In agriculture, free range methods of animal husbandry should be encouraged through fiscal incentives. Malta should adhere to European Union regulations that protect animals reared in intensive farming whilst an effective system of monitoring should be ensured in both slaughterhouses and places of livestock farming plus transportation.

“All this can be reached through greater emphasis in education on the welfare and rights of animals together with a proper enforcement system.

“In parliament, AD will ensure that such issues pertaining to the protection of animals are put on the agenda.”