Calls to suspend breeding and importation of bully dog breeds by MSPCA

Jan 27 2022

Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina has called for the breeding and importation of bully dog breeds to halt. This is until the present situation which sees Malta’s animal sanctuaries struggling to cope with numbers is addressed.

Such breeds and crosses with them account for the majority of dogs homed in animal sanctuaries. The commissioner emphasised that the minister responsible for animal welfare – Anton Refalo – is empowered to strictly control, if not permanently ban, such breeding and importation of the breeds.

She recommended this be done with immediate effect, with her end of year report for 2021 stating that this recommendation is in the process of being implemented.

The Malta Society for the Protection and Care of Animals backed the call, noting that such dogs not only accounted for the lion’s share of dogs in animal shelters but also faced very slim chances for finding a new home. Many are either confiscated due to abuse or neglect or simply abandoned by owners.

Many of these dogs were not good with other dogs and cats, the MSPCA noted, whilst also being large strong dogs which require space and exercise which not everyone could offer.

The MSPCA did emphasise that it was not against these breeds, saying that they love and care for all breeds equally. However, they said, the present situation necessitated action, not least because such dogs were the ones which were suffering most abuse, mostly though irresponsible breeding. This should be done by licensed breeds with the proper experience and knowledge.

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Change in electricity billing to allow users to benefit from cheaper benefits

Jan 27 2022

A new utility billing system was announced by Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, through which consumers will make use of all cheap units allocated for a year. An anomaly in the current billing system saw some consumers paying more despite a yearly allocation of cheap units. The change is set to correct for this anomaly, with Dalli revealing in parliament how further details will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

‘We will be announcing details on how anomalies that a PN government introduced in a 2009 legal notice will be repealed. The system will apply to consumption from the beginning of January 2022. Work is already underway, stated Dalli. The system will allow families to make us of all allocated units in each band. The Minister mentioned how the system is being developed and tested and that the necessary changes to the 2009 legal notice will be made.

The minister contrasted to the PN government back in 2008, whom their only solution, she said, was to increase utility bills. The labour government under Robert Abela she said is up to the challenges. ‘We have a different mentality and we are up to the challenges.’

‘Yesterday the Eurostat figures showed how energy prices increased by around 10% but locally they increased by 0%’ said Dalli. ‘We will not do as the PN Government, deduct eco contribution and increase utility bills for businesses, jeopardising jobs in the process. Our strategy is to promote responsible consumption as per the national decarbonisation and sustainability plans.’

Dalli also explained how during 2021, Malta Enterprise approved 113 projects with foreign and local investment. The total investment €175 million and generated 1,700 jobs. ‘The figures are provisional but I can confirm that the investment in our country for 2021, during a pandemic year, was more than that in 2020.’

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‘Close class windows’ teacher laments due to freezing temperatures

Jan 27 2022

Maltese teacher Sandra Gauci took to social media to raise her concerns at the fact that teachers cannot close class windows due to COVID restrictions – a measure which is having physical damaging effects. Gauci, who is also an ADPD candidate, posted to Facebook a photo of her own fingers which have been impacted with chilblains (locally known as seqi). Chilblains is a medical condition characterised by vessel damage in the skin of the hands and feet and is made worse by cold temperatures.

Gauci appealed to the government to listen to her plea and all those in the classroom suffering the consequences as they have prolonged hours in such conditions.Her post also appealed to parents to make sure their children are dressed up with enough clothes to combat the cold weather.

The teacher said that sometimes, the cold does not even allow her to think clearly, comparing the classrooms to those of Charles Dickens – a nod to rundown school conditions in the author’s writings such as Oliver Twist. She concluded by asking for more power to be granted to school heads so that they can do what needs to be done and not await orders. The post was widely shared, calling for some sort of action to be taken.

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Photo Source: Sandra Gauci FB

Election ‘will be over by June’ says Prime Minister amid rumours

Jan 27 2022

After election rumours resurfaced, mostly given the announcement of Pope Francis’ visit in Malta in April, Prime Minister Robert Abela addressed the situation – only to keep everyone guessing some more.

Tuesday and Wednesday saw social media blow up with speculation of when the general election will take place. The announcement that more, if not most, COVID-19 measures will be lifted in February, also fuelled the fire of when the election will take place.

However, the Prime Minister simply left everyone guessing more, telling reporters that ‘it will be over by June’. With dates such as 12th March being floated around, the Prime Minister may opt for an early June election.

This would take the administration to its natural end. Should he go for this decision, parliament can be dissolved at the start of May. The latest a general election can be held is September 2022, but the Prime Minister has absolute discretion to call an election any time beforehand.

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Photo Source: Robert Abela FB