Offenders found guilty of animal cruelty or ill-treatment will be facing harsher penalties, according a White Paper on the proposed amendments to the Animal Welfare Act.

On first conviction, the maximum fine imposed will reach €55,000 and/or a term of imprisonment for a period of three years.

On second conviction, offenders will be liable to a fine reaching €80,000 and/or a term of imprisonment for a period of three years.

Outlining the contents of the document this morning, Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights Roderick Galdes said that the government is proposing the appointment of a Commissioner for Animal Welfare who will be tasked with promoting animal welfare and empowered to audit and investigate the workings of the Animal Welfare Council and the Directorate for Animal Welfare and Veterinary Services.

The amendments also aim to strengthen the role and functions of the council and to enhance representation from a wide range of sectors.

The council will have an additional member representing animal welfare NGOs (bringing the number of NGO representatives up to three) and a member representing the veterinary surgeons in the private practice.

The proposed amendments will also introduce a ban on the use of all species of animals in circuses, whether a circus is a travelling one or permanently established in Malta.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed revisions via email on awconsultation.msdec@gov.mt by April 14.

The White Paper can be read in the pdf links below.