New rules aimed at addressing Malta’s overpopulation of stray cats will impose a €50 fine on unregistered cat feeders.

These regulations stipulate that only those registered with the local council can feed stray cats in public areas. The initiative seeks to create a GPS-identifiable register of cat colonies, which will be targeted for neutering to control the stray cat population.

The register, managed by two controllers appointed by ministers responsible for veterinary services and local government, will document feeding areas, colony locations, and the number of cats in each colony.

Registered feeders must provide GPS coordinates, track the health and neutering status of the cats, and report any suspected illnesses to the director of animal welfare.

Additionally, a €350,000 fund will support these efforts, with vouchers for cat food distributed to registered feeders, many of whom have been privately funding their efforts.

In response, Nationalist Party MP Janice Chetcuti criticised the new law, arguing that it unfairly penalises compassionate individuals who feed hungry animals.

She highlighted the absurdity of fining those who help stray cats while neglecting broader societal issues. Chetcuti’s statement emphasises the need to balance regulation with compassion and care for animals.

Government Responds To PN Statement:

In response to the Nationalist Party’s statement, the Government of Malta has clarified the intentions behind the newly introduced animal welfare regulations. These measures, including the law regulating the feeding of stray cats, are part of a broader strategy aimed at safeguarding animal rights while also maintaining public health standards, the government claimed.

The Government explained that the regulation requiring cat feeders to register with local councils and imposing fines on unregistered feeding is intended to ensure a structured and humane approach to managing the stray cat population. By establishing a register of GPS-identifiable cat colonies, authorities can more effectively monitor and care for these animals, ensuring they are healthy, neutered, and living in sanitary conditions.

Addressing criticism from the Opposition, which claims the law unfairly targets volunteers, the Government stated that the law is not meant to deter compassionate acts but to prevent misuse and ensure cleanliness in public spaces. Additionally, the Government highlighted that it is supporting volunteers through a €350,000 voucher scheme to help cover the costs of feeding and caring for stray cats.

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