Call For Maltese MEPs To Back Strong Animal Welfare Rules

Animal welfare groups in Malta are urging the country’s Members of the European Parliament to support the European Union’s proposed regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats, warning that recent amendments risk leaving millions of animals unprotected.

The regulation, first proposed by the European Commission in December 2023, aims to improve conditions for companion animals across the EU.

However, Maltese organisations including Vuċi għall-Annimali, MSPCA, Gozo SPCA, and others have voiced concern over proposed exemptions that could undermine its impact.

Key issues raised include the exclusion of cats from mandatory identification and registration, exemptions for small-scale or household breeders, and the removal of protections for military and hunting dogs.

These loopholes, the groups argue, could make it harder to track ownership, allow unethical breeding, and worsen already severe stray populations.

Other concerns include proposals to lower the breeding age for female dogs and allow widespread artificial insemination, which could lead to increased health issues and disregard for animal welfare.

The animal rights groups are calling on Maltese MEPs to reject the exemptions and fully support the regulation. They also stated that they will monitor how each MEP votes and will update the public on their stance.

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