The Animal Rights Coalition has sent a manifesto to the political parties,listing its  animal welfare concerns.

The coalition said the list is not exhaustive, but it should serve as a framework on which the political parties can base their actions. 

"At a time when more and more people in Malta are becoming conscious of animal welfare issues, it makes sense, even politically, to have clear-cut policies which animal lovers can examine and discuss and then vote accordingly," the coalition said.

Among other points, the coalition declares its opposition to dolphinariums and to the participation of animals in circuses. It calls for better regulation of the importation of animals and their sale from pet shops.

It also insists on the need for better care for karozzini horses and horses entered for races; a strengthening of the police ALE section and proper enforcement of hunting laws.

In other proposals, it calls for tougher sentencing for animal cruelty and also says there should be specifications on the minimum size of fish which may be caught.

The manifesto can be seen by clicking on pdf below.