The dates and locations where Animal First Aid courses will be organised have been announced.free of charge, an initiative being launched in collaboration between the Parliamentary Secretariat responsible for Animal Welfare and the Ministry for Local Government and Public Works.
This initiative, launched by the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Animal Welfare Alicia Bugeja Said together with the Minister for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, aims to deliver practical training directly into communities and continue to increase awareness about animal protection and welfare.
The courses will provide basic and practical training on how to respond to emergency situations involving animals, including choking, animal CPR, wound care and poisoning. The aim is to equip participants with the necessary skills to provide immediate and safe first aid until veterinary assistance can be obtained.
Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli said that this initiative is bringing practical training and basic knowledge about animal first aid closer to communities, while encouraging more residents to be prepared to react in a moment of emergency.
“26 Local Councils have shown their interest in being part of this initiative, and this shows how important it is to continue creating learning opportunities that are accessible and close to residents. Animal protection starts with awareness, responsibility and preparation, and through this collaboration between the Government, Local Councils and the Animal Welfare Directorate we are bringing this awareness closer to our communities,” said Minister Zerafa Civelli.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said that through these courses, the Government is continuing to invest not only in animal protection, but also in education and awareness in communities.
“When an animal is in an emergency situation, the first few minutes can be crucial. Through these courses we want to give people practical knowledge that can help them act safely and responsibly until the necessary veterinary assistance is provided. The more we continue to educate and give people the necessary tools, the more we will be strengthening a culture of responsibility, care and respect towards animals,” said Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said.
The courses will be held according to this schedule:
| Council | Locations | Date | Time |
| The Qala | Qala, Xagħra, Gharb | October 16, 2026 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm |
| Cospicua | Tarxien, Cospicua, Vittoriosa | October 17, 2026 | 8:00am – 12:00pm |
| Floriana | Msida, Santa Venera, Pietà, Hamrun, Floriana | October 24, 2026 | 8:00am – 12:00pm |
| Fgura | Fgura, Paola, Santa Lucia | 31 October 2026 | 8:00am – 12:00pm |
| Victoria | Rabat, Attard, Balzan, Lija, Dingli | November 7, 2026 | 8:00am – 12:00pm |
| Pembroke | Swieqi, St. Julian’s, Pembroke | November 12, 2026 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm |
| Marsaskala | Qrendi, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk | November 21, 2026 | 8:00am – 12:00pm |
| Mellieha | Mellieha | November 28, 2026 | 10:30am – 2:30pm |
The training will be provided by qualified educators selected by the Animal Welfare Directorate, while the initiative is being run in collaboration with the Local Government Division and the participating Local Councils.
Through this initiative, the commitment is being further strengthened so that more people in communities have the knowledge and skills necessary to protect animal welfare and be able to react appropriately in the event of an emergency.
Photo: MLGP-MEER_PS/DOI
