In a press conference held today at Ta’ Qali, the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights discussed new regulations concerning the keeping of dangerous animals.
The event, organised by animal activists and NGOs, was attended by Minister Anton Refalo, Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said, and other key authorities.
Among the key points discussed were:
Amnesty Period: A 90-day grace period was introduced, allowing the public to register dangerous animals without penalties, aimed at updating Malta’s animal registry.
Neutering Requirements: The government will mandate neutering of dangerous animals to control their population and prevent illegal breeding.
The new measures are a response to concerns over unregistered dangerous animals, following multiple reports since the Regulations on the Keeping of Dangerous Animals (SL 439.19) came into force in 2016. In response, 25 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) submitted proposals for stricter regulations, which included a designated registration period and mandatory neutering.
The proposed amendments to Subsidiary Legislation 439.19 will come into effect today, giving animal owners three months to comply with the updated regulations. Applications for registration must meet the stipulated requirements, and owners who fail to comply will face confiscation of their animals and fines ranging from €2,000 to €65,000.
The government’s collaboration with animal advocates and NGOs resulted in the implementation of these measures, following extensive discussions. While activists emphasised that they do not support the ownership of dangerous animals, they acknowledged their presence in Malta and called for controlled solutions to ensure both animal welfare and public safety.
The government also announced that applications for registration must be submitted in person to the Directorate for Veterinary Regulations at the Animal Protection Section in Marsa.
#MaltaDaily
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