An operator has been selected to manage Malta’s first pet crematorium and cemetery, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Animal Rights said yesterday. The move follows a public call.

The cemetery will be built on one tumoli of land in Ta’ Qali, in an area known as Ta’ San Ġakbu. The location was chosen because of its close proximity to the San Franġisk Animal Welfare Centre, the secretariat said.

Pet owners will be able to place an urn with their pet’s ashes in free-standing walls. An incinerator and a burial preparation room will be built in the centre of the cemetery, surrounded by rows of burial walls with 11,000 compartments of about 30cm by 30cm.

Now we will also be treating them with dignity when they die

People would also be able to choose to cremate their pet at the cemetery and then take the remains home.

“We all know the bond that exists between a cat or a dog and its owner, especially when they live together for a number of years.

“Our aim to make sure animals’ rights are safeguarded will remain, but now we will also be treating them with dignity when they die,” Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes said.

According to the secretariat, the operator has to complete all works within a year of signing the contract.