A planning application for a pet cemetery with a small incinerator has been submitted to the planning authority, Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes told Parliament.

The service would provide animal lovers with the closure needed when their beloved pet died. A national re-homing centre was also being planned, he said.

Introducing the Animal Welfare (Amendment) Bill in second reading, Mr Galdes said the Bill would also see the prohibition of animal circuses – an action he described as “a trailblazer” in this sector, setting an example for other countries to follow.

A commissioner for animal welfare would also be created to promote animal dignity and welfare. His role would be an investigative and advisory one aimed at the better functioning of the legislative arm and give better protection to voiceless animals.

To this effect, Mr Galdes said, the law provided for a maximum fine of €50,000 and even the possibility of imprisonment for up to five years for cruelty to animals.

He said the construction of cab stands had been extended not only for Valletta but also for other areas, with a flexible and sober design which was suitable for most environs. Mr Galdes warned cabbies that it was their duty to see that the horses were sheltered from the sun and no breaches would be tolerated.

Other actions included the introduction of dog-friendly swimming zones, the neutering of over 1,000 cats at a minimal cost, and a shelter for cats at Għammieri. A dog park was being created at Ta’ Qali, an area earmarked by dog-lovers with facilities for big and small dogs.

He wished to have political consensus on the Bill so that animal rights did not end up as political ping-pong

Mr Galdes said that standardisation of animal sanctuary services has been implemented to ensure responsibility from the pet shop to the owner. He said that microchipping had to increase and this would mean a restructuring of the Animal Welfare Department with its own vets. A new intake of vets would be opened in the near future. This would also help in providing a presence in Gozo, something which has hitherto been very difficult to provide. The Parliamentary Secretary said he wished to have political consensus on the Bill so that animal rights did not end up as political ping-pong.

Opposition spokesman for Animal Welfare Michael Gonzi said that the Opposition agreed in principle with the Bill but he warned that the current definition of “circus” was too generic and that, consequently, it could make the Bill weak and confusing.

Noting that the courts would be entitled to make provisions for the forfeiture of animals used in circuses, Dr Gonzi asked the Parliamentary Secretary to state whether it was possible to do so with respect to elephants. “We do not even have place for all stray cats let alone elephants or tigers,” he said.

Noting that the Bill would set up a Director for Animal Welfare and a Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Gonzi said this could give rise to bureaucracy. The Bill established several positions, the roles of which were overlapping. He noted that all appointments were to be made by the Prime Minister or by the minister concerned.

Speaking on the Council for Animal Welfare, Dr Gonzi said that in the past it comprised eight members. Four members were appointed by the government and four after consulting animal welfare organisations. The council would now consist of 12 members, including the chairman, who would be appointed by the Prime Minister after consulting with the minister. All other members would be appointed by the minister.

Dr Gonzi asked Mr Galdes why the government opted to change the method of appointment. This could only be construed as meaning that the minister sought to have total power, an attitude that defeated transparency and democracy.

Earlier, Dr Gonzi said the Opposition was against animal circuses as these required animals to make manoeuvres that were not usual for such animals, and they were kept in cages and subject to transportation. There were few vets in animal circuses. Animals were subjected to a habitat that could never be similar to their natural habitat.

Mario Galea (PN) and Silvio Parnis (PN) also contributed to the debate.