[attach id=444982 size="medium"]An architect’s proposed plans for the newly approved pet cemetery in Ta’ Qali.[/attach]

Pet owners will finally be able to put their beloved creatures to rest in a cemetery in Ta’ Qali that was given the green light by the planning authority yesterday.

The cemetery, at Ta’ San Ġakbu, will include a cremation facility and owners will be able to either take the ashes home or leave them within a chamber on site.

The dead animals will not be buried. Dogs and cats will be cremated individually and the ashes placed in an urn in pigeonholes above ground level.

This will ensure that the water table is not contaminated, architect Joseph Camilleri said.

The site, covering about 1,900 square metres, will be able to contain a maximum of 11,000 pigeonholes.

Through this public-private partnership project, people will be able to buy a compartment and place as many urns as they want, unless they choose to take them home.

A photograph of the animal next to the urn will be allowed.

Animal lovers have, for years, been calling for a place where they can bury their dead pets.

The dead animals will not be buried. Dogs and cats will be cremated individually and the ashes placed in an urn.

The case report recommended upholding the application, filed by Mario Spiteri, on behalf the Parliamentary Secretariat for Agriculture, under a number of conditions, including preserving trees on site.

Mr Camilleri said the trees in surrounding fields would be relocated if they survived. There are about 78 trees in all, including 51 peach trees.

The application was approved with one vote against. Board member Alex Vella questioned how appropriate it was to build a cemetery in a central recreational area.