Malta and Gozo Welcome New Dog-Friendly Beaches, Increasing Total to 16

Jun 29 2023

Five additional dog bathing beaches have been officially opened, bringing the total number of dog-friendly beaches in Malta and Gozo to 16. The newly inaugurated beaches are located in Mellieħa, Cirkewwa, Naxxar, Sliema, Kalkara, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, and Birżebbuġa in Malta, as well as Żebbuġ, Għajnsielem, Mġarr, and San Lawrenz in Gozo.

During a press conference held by Minister for Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said, it was announced that the selection of these beaches was based on a study conducted by the Department of Environmental Health, which assessed their accessibility.

Owners who visit these dog bathing beaches were advised to keep their dogs on a leash at all times. It was also emphasised that owners must responsibly collect and dispose of their dogs’ excrement in the designated bins available on the beaches. Additionally, it was stated that all dogs using these beaches must be microchipped and under the control of their owners.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stated that the Department of Environmental Health will be conducting regular water tests at these beaches to ensure the water quality remains suitable for dogs and their owners. This monitoring initiative aims to guarantee a safe and healthy environment for dogs to enjoy their beach experience. Both Minister Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said highlighted the importance of responsible usage of these new dog-friendly beaches by dog owners and the general public.

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Photo Credit: Clodagh O’Neill – DOI

Parliament Votes In Favour Of ‘Abortion’ Bill

Jun 28 2023

The Maltese Parliament has voted in favour of Bill 28, which effectively introduces abortion in the case of a pregnant woman facing medical complications which may put her life at immediate risk or her health in grave jeopardy which can lead to death.

The Bill has been subject to massive debate and controversy ever since it was proposed by the government.

It also recently entered hot water after it was revealed that the Bill was to be edited to make it so that 3 doctors would have to consent to the abortion procedure for it to take place.

The medical intervention is to carried out if:

(a) in the case of a pregnant woman suffering from a medical complication which may put her life at immediate risk the medical intervention is done when in the reasonable opinion of the medical practitioner carrying out the intervention the foetus has not reached the period of viability;

Or (b) in the case of a medical intervention carried out due to a medical complication which places the health of a pregnant woman in grave jeopardy which may lead to death:

(i) that in the reasonable opinion of the medical team the foetus has not reached the period of viability and cannot be delivered according to the standards of the medical profession; And

(ii) that the medical intervention is carried out only after the medical team has confirmed the necessity of the intervention; and

(iii) that the medical intervention is carried out in a licensed hospital having the facilities required for the necessary medical intervention to be carried out.

A medical team means three medical practitioners registered as specialists with the Medical Council under the Health Care Processions Act.

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Maltese Duo To Paddle Around Malta To Raise Funds For Ethiopia

Jun 28 2023

Maltese duo Anthony Delia and Derome Agius will be kayaking around Malta’s 72-kilometre perimeter in an attempt to raise funds for schools and other major projects in Ethiopia.

Delia and Agius will set sail on July 8th, weather permitting, with the two welcoming any eager kayakers with open arms in their mission towards €5,000. The two have collected 44% of their goal, as shown in the gogetfunding.com page initially set up by Delia.

Maltese duo Anthony Delia and Derome Agius will be kayaking around Malta’s 72-kilometre perimeter in an attempt to raise funds for schools and other major projects in Ethiopia.

“These projects are far from the building structure themselves but will welcome children with education, building of character, and most of all giving them a future. I truly believe in this cause and will be pushing myself in various challenges such as my first round Malta with a kayak”, Delia wrote.

Inspired by the Sigma Foundation’s stellar work for Ethiopia, Delia and Agius wish to not only collect funds for charity, but also inspire others to contribute to good causes such as this.

In a video put together by collaborator Dylan Spiteri, a map shows the hour-by-hour game plan the kayakers intend on approaching the challenge with, highlighting key checkpoints.

If you haven’t already, make sure you contribute to this cause – every little counts.

#MaltaDaily

Gozo’s Guernsey Island Games 2023 Contingent Unveiled

Jun 28 2023

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri took to social media to unveil the official contingent which will be representing the Gozitan islands in the games set to take place between 8th and 14th July.

Team Gozo is made up of 40 athletes from Gozo who will be competing in the disciplines of Athletics, Cycling, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon and Football.

‘This is a historic moment in the Gozitan sport sector as this is the first time Gozitan athletes will be representing our islands in these international games and bringing honour for Gozo.’

#MaltaDaily