In a news conference a number of new regulations were announced which will enforce the keeping of animals in zoos around Malta and Gozo. These regulations, together with other regulations announced in recent months related to the protection of animals, are part of the work and the strategic plan of the government in order to further increase animal rights.
The regulations that will come into force within two months from the publication of the amendment in the law, will see the enforcement of various measures. Among these is included the legal description of a zoo with due licensing; the limitation in the interaction of visitors with exotic animals, only permissible with an authorization issued according to the discretion of the Directorate for Veterinary Regulation; and also the limited control of breeding of exotic animals kept in zoos.
This was announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said, as well as by the Director of the Directorate for – Veterinary Regulation Paul Portelli.
Minister Anton Refalo stressed that what is being announced today continues to strengthen the area of animal rights, where now licensed zoos must be run under new regulations.
While listing a number of points arising from this new law, the minister recalled that the government has a national strategy with a vision that aims to protect the rights of animals, including when it comes to – their health and care. “In recent years we have seen how to support the sector with various schemes and initiatives in order to help the animals and the people who voluntarily work with them,” stated the minister.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stressed that these new regulations will continue to strengthen the protection of animals, as well as the health and safety of visiting people.
“The government is continuing to strengthen not only the rights of animals, but it is also increasing more awareness about the welfare of the same animals, in this case animals considered exotic,” continued the parliamentary secretary.
She concluded by saying that with these regulations the research of the same animals kept in zoos will be increased and strengthened for the benefit of the same sector.
Director Paul Portelli said how important it is to observe and limit the breeding of exotic animals so that there is no genetic mixing that could result in damage to the health of the same animals. He reiterated that there will be closer surveillance of exotic animals kept in zoos, with a limitation to interaction with visitors, according to the cases of specific animals, with authorization from the same directorate.
The 2024 Regulations on the Keeping of Animals in Zoos will come into force and be enforced within two months of their publication and form part of the Act on the Appropriate Treatment of Animals (Cap. 439) .
