The 6th edition of the Animal Honours Awards is successfully held
The Parliamentary Secretariat responsible for Animal Welfare successfully organised the sixth edition of the Animal Honours Awards, an initiative that recognises those who, through their work and dedication, make a valuable contribution to the protection, welfare and rights of animals in Malta.
The Animal Honours Awards also marked the culmination of Malta Animal Awareness Week, a week dedicated to giving greater visibility to the work carried out throughout the year in the field of animal protection and welfare.
This year, the Animal Honours Awards included five categories, through which tribute was given to individuals, professionals, organisations and animals that stood out for their contribution in this field.
During the ceremony, the winners of the five categories were awarded, following a nomination process that gave the public an opportunity to recognize those who make a difference in the lives of animals and in promoting their appropriate and responsible treatment.
The Animal Honours Awards, now in their sixth year, continue to strengthen the aim of giving greater visibility to the work carried out daily by all those involved in the field of animal protection. The initiative also serves to continue to raise awareness of the collective responsibility towards animal welfare and the importance of a culture built on respect and compassion.
The Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Animal Welfare, Alicia Bugeja Said, said that this initiative is an important opportunity to give recognition to those who make a concrete contribution in favour of animals.
“The Animal Honours Awards give us the opportunity to recognise and thank those who give their time, energy and experience to the welfare of animals every day. This sixth edition, through its five categories, continues to demonstrate the commitment in our society to greater responsibility, respect and compassion towards animals. I congratulate the winners, the nominees and all those whose work is making a difference,” concluded the parliamentary secretary.
Commissioner for Animal Welfare Elliot Magrosaid that initiatives such as these help to keep animal welfare at the forefront of the public agenda. “Recognizing positive examples in society is an important part of the cultural change we need to continue to see when it comes to the treatment of animals. These awards not only celebrate the good work being done, but also remind us of the responsibility we all have to protect the dignity, welfare and rights of animals. I congratulate all those who were nominated and recognized during this edition,” said the Commissioner.
Director of the Department of Animal Welfare Dennis Sciberras said that the awards are also a means of highlighting the ongoing work carried out by professionals, volunteers and organisations in the field. “Behind each nomination there is a story of commitment and dedication to animal welfare. The Animal Honours Awards help us to give visibility to this work and, at the same time, encourage more people to recognise the role that each and every one of us plays in animal welfare. This recognition is important to continue to reinforce higher standards of care and responsibility,” said the Director.
The sixth edition of the Animal Honours Awards continued to build on the success of previous editions, while strengthening the message in favour of a society more responsible and sensitive towards the needs and welfare of animals.
The winners of the sixth edition of the Animal Honours Awards were:
Sanctuary Excellence Award – MSPCA
Volunteer of the Year Award – Maria Attard
Second Chance Companion Award – Fonzu
Pet-Friendly Business Award – Gian Paul Bongailas – Rabbit Groomer
People’s Choice Award for Contribution to the Animal Welfare Sector – Gian Paul Bongailas
During the evening, 3 special awards for their work in favour of animal protection were also presented to Romina Frendo, Alison Bezzina and James Ryder.
