On Tuesday, new regulations were announced regarding non-pedigree bully dogs, set to take effect in December.

The rule specifically targets “backyard breeders” who do not provide pedigree certificates, which often results in dogs with unknown ancestry and potential behavioural issues. Pedigree bully breeds from registered kennel clubs remain permissible.

Animal Welfare Director Joseph John Vella clarified that this regulation is not a blanket ban but a measure to manage the problem of overcrowded animal shelters, which frequently house non-pedigree bully breeds.

Vella stressed that the regulation is not intended to discriminate against bully breeds but to address the issues faced by animal sanctuaries filled with these dogs, who are often abandoned when they become too difficult to handle.

Minister Anton Refalo emphasized that while some countries have imposed complete bans on bully breeds, Malta’s approach aims to strike a balance.

Refalo highlighted the need to manage the breeding of non-pedigree dogs without fully prohibiting the breed. He noted that the government plans to assess the impact of this regulation and consider further legislative measures on breeding practices in the future.

The dogs in question:

American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Pitbull Terrier, Old English Bulldog, American Bulldog, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Miniature Bull terrier, Cane Corso, Dogue De Bordeaux, Presa Canario, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boston Terrier, Tibetan Mastiff and South African Boerboel.

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