On Tuesday evening, on World Animal Day, the second edition of the Animal Honors Awards was held, where many people and animals were rewarded who were chosen among hundreds of nominations.
This event served as another strong opportunity to not only celebrate the creatures that are human’s friends, but also to recognize the people who are involved in the same field on a daily basis in relation to the protection of – animals.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo listed many measures that have been carried out in favor of this area and stressed that the government is committed to continue implementing many crucial proposals. He added that, “As a ministry we will continue to work hand in hand with the management of many sanctuaries, with all the volunteers in this field and with all the professionals so that we can continue to reach the main goal, what we look after with in an appropriate way the rights of animals and even strengthen the infrastructure for many animals that are abandoned or abused.”
The Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said said, “I am grateful to be with you today during this ceremony so dear to my heart and to the hearts of each and every one of us. An initiative like this today is a public appreciation by the government of the valuable and important work that it does in this sector so dear to the Maltese and Gozitan people. The relationship between humans and animals is one that surpasses any obstacle”.
She congratulated all the winners and emphasized that the government will continue to work side by side with this sector for the good of the animals and the whole community.
The Commissioner for Animal Protection Alison Bezzina reiterated that these awards recognize the work of volunteers and animals and continue to raise the animal protection sector on the national agenda of Malta and Gozo . “To see that animal protection reaches this peak in the national agenda is the ultimate goal of my office, and mine as commissioner for animal protection”, she added.
In the second edition of the Animal Honors Awards there were 454 nominations for 12 categories.
This year’s winners were:
Animals in Uniform Award – Ilio
Adopted Pet of the Year – Stevey
Smartest Animal Award – Whitey
Most Popular Companion Animal Award – Jojo, Mimi & Bianca
Farm Animal Award – Pawla
Shelter Animal Most Deserving of a Home – Winston
Most Popular Veterinarian Award – Dr. Martha Mifsud
Most Popular Farmer Award – Marilyn Gatt
Most Popular Volunteer Award – Christa Cilia
Most Popular Educator Award – Sharon Scerri
Most Popular Local Council – Mosta Local Council
Most Popular Animal Friendly Establishment – Balzan FC
The following Special Awards were also given:
Special Award of the Director in the Animal Protection Directorate, Patricia Azzopardi – Vincent Ciantar
Special Award of the Commissioner for Animal Protection, Alison Bezzina- Elliot Magro, Police Inspector
Special Award of the Permanent Secretary, Sharlo Camilleri – Dr. Josianne Williams
Special Award of the Parliamentary Secretary, Alicia Bugeja Said – Maria Damato
Special Award of Minister Anton Refalo – Maxine Borg
Photos (DOI/MAFA)
