A planned transfer of dogs from Naples to Malta has been officially cancelled following an on-site inspection by Commissioner for Animal Welfare Dr Fleur Abela, who exercised her full investigative mandate after concerns were raised by activists and NGOs.
The visit to Dogs Town SRL in Naples, carried out on 15th December, forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure that cross-border animal welfare operations meet the highest legal and ethical standards.
Dr Abela was accompanied by MSPCA General Manager Mary Cassar Torregiani during the inspection. While the shelter’s administration provided documentation related to permits and licensing, the Commissioner, acting in the best interests of animal welfare, formally advised that the operation scheduled for Wednesday 17th December should not go ahead.
This recommendation was immediately communicated to the Office of the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Dr Alicia Bugeja Said, which acted in full agreement with the Commissioner’s findings and called for the cancellation of the transfer, being handled by the Animal Welfare Directorate.
The Office of the Commissioner praised the collaborative efforts of MSPCA, animal welfare activists, the Animal Welfare Directorate, including Ms Maxine Borg, relevant authorities, and members of the public who raised the alarm.
As a direct result of this coordinated action, eight dogs have now been successfully identified for rehoming, marking a positive outcome in what could have been a highly contentious situation.
The case highlights the strength of Malta’s animal welfare framework, showing what can be achieved when institutions, civil society, and government work together.
What do you make of the entire situation?