€6.5 million new investment for a modern National Animal Rehoming Centre

Minister Anton Refalo together with Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said announced the development of a new National Rehoming Centre, an important decision that will substantially strengthen animal protection in our country. This project is part of the Government's commitment and aims to address the increasing pressure on the existing facilities of the Animal Welfare Directorate. The centre will provide adequate space for rescued or confiscated animals, where they will be given care, rehabilitation and a new opportunity for adoption. The total investment amounts to approximately €6.5 million and includes the construction and equipment necessary to operate the centre in a modern and efficient manner. The facility will include a shelter for dogs, cats, horses and other animals, as well as assisted therapy spaces, an educational centre and areas open to the public that enhance awareness and societal involvement. The project will be based in Siġġiewi, where the chosen site provides a more suitable environment for the animals, facilitates more efficient operations and enhances long-term sustainability. With regard to the governance model, the Government has chosen a model based on collaboration with NGOs. This allows the Government to retain responsibility for investment and strategic oversight, while entrusting day-to-day operations to organisations with experience in the field of animal welfare. This model is expected to lead to greater efficiency and better financial sustainability in the long term. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo stressed that this project represents a concrete investment in animal protection. He said that this centre will not only improve the conditions of animals, but will also continue to strengthen awareness of responsibility towards animals. He concluded by saying that this is an important step towards a more modern and humane system, where the Government is investing not only in infrastructure, but in the welfare of animals. Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said said that this project is an important step towards a more modern and sustainable system for the protection of animals in Malta. She stressed that through collaboration with NGOs, the centre will be able to offer better care, more adoption opportunities and a more suitable environment for rescued or abandoned animals. She also added that this was one of the measures announced in the Budget and that the Government is now implementing it through concrete investment in favour of animal welfare and more modern infrastructure in this sector. Photo (MAFA)