Malta Will Have A New Commissioner For Animal Welfare: Fleur Abela
Dr Fleur Abela will be appointed Commissioner for the Proper Treatment of Animals.
Dr Fleur Abela graduated in Law from the University of Malta in 2018 and continued her studies at Queen Mary University of London. She practises in civil law, human rights and family law, and has worked on legal projects related to children and animals.
The Ministry thanked Alison Bezzina for her service during the period covered by her contract, which is due to expire in the coming days. It expressed appreciation for her dedication and work in support of animal welfare.
‘Animal welfare is about responsibility, respect, and action’, wrote Fleur in a social media post expressing her gratitude at being appointed in the position.
‘I would be amiss not to thank the outgoing commissioner Alison Bezzina for theawareness raised on key issues, and the work which I will seek to build upon.’
‘Together with NGOs, authorities, and the public, we can strengthen protection and build a culture where animals are treated with dignity and care.’
The Ministry also congratulated Dr Fleur Abela on her new role and said it looks forward to continued progress in the protection of animals.
The ADPD Green Party also issued a statement commending former commissioner Alison Bezzina.
Sandra Gauci, Chairperson of ADPD – The Green Party, said;
‘ADPD-The Green Party expresses its deep regret and concern that Alison Bezzina’s contract as Commissioner for Animal Welfare has been abruptly terminated without explanation. We thank Ms. Bezzina for her tireless efforts to combat animal suffering on all fronts.’
‘A passionate animal lover and long-time animal rights activist, Ms. Bezzina was uniquely suited for this role. She has been outspoken in her criticism of zoos and the hunting lobby in Malta. It is unsettling that the Government appears to validate trapping under the guise of scientific research, while Ms. Bezzina, who strives to promote animal welfare, has had her role terminated.’
‘ADPD-The Green Party commends Ms. Bezzina and wishes her continued success in her ongoing efforts to promote and safeguard animal rights.’
Updated: Statement by Partit Momentum
Partit Momentum also issued a statement of solidarity with Alison Bezzina following the ‘sudden and unexplained termination of her contract as Animal Welfare Commissioner. After five years of dedicated service, Ms. Bezzina was informed her contract would not be renewed, with only one week’s notice and no explanation given.’
‘Momentum firmly believes that the role of Animal Welfare Commissioner is too crucial to be subject to the whims of a political minister’, said the party in a statement. ‘This position must be independent and answerable to Parliament, not to a Minister, to ensure it can function with more autonomy and less political interference.’
“The shocking dismissal of Alison Bezzina is a significant blow to animal welfare in Malta,” said Katya Compagno, Momentum’s spokesperson. “She was a tireless advocate who, in her own words, treated the role as a ‘mission,’ not just a job. Her sudden removal, without cause or discussion, sends a chilling message to anyone brave enough to speak truth to power. We call for the law to be changed so that the Commissioner for Animal Welfare is a truly independent officer of Parliament, protecting animals without fear or favour.”
‘Whilst auguring the best to the new Commissioner, Dr Fleur Abela, Momentum thanks Alison Bezzina for her service and her courage. We stand with her and echo her powerful sentiment: “They can take the title, but not the voice.” The fight for animal justice continues.’
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