Five new areas have been added to the list of 'animal friendly' bays where bathers can take their dogs to swim with them.

They are Torri l-Abjad Bay near Mellieha, Rinella Bay, Kalkara, Imgiebah Bay, Selmun, Marsascala Bay and Zonqor Point, and Mgarr ix-Xini in Gozo.

Dogs may also be taken to Bahar ix-Caghaq behind the Splash and Fun complex, Tigne Point in Sliema, Marsaxlokk opposite Xatt is-Sajjieda, the coast near Xwejni Bay in Gozo and l-Ahrax in Mellieha.

The additional swimming zones were announced by Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes, who said they were part of initiatives for the better treatment of animals.

He stressed that the zones remained open to the public and the dogs had to be kept on a leash until taken into the water. Owners must clean up after them and the waste disposed of in the bins provided for the purpose.

The dogs must be kept under control and must not be allowed to create an inconvenience.

The water quality of the zones will be regularly monitored.