Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1524836
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 AUGUST 2024 6 OPINION Enhancing animal welfare through legislation and infrastructure THE Animal Welfare Directorate in Malta has been making significant strides in improving animal welfare. One of the most recent and notable advance- ments is the new fleet and upgrading of the animal rescue ambulances, an initi- ative that promises enhanced comfort and efficiency for both animals and the officers involved in their care. This in- itiative underscores the Directorate's commitment to providing the highest standard of emergency services for stray animals, ensuring their well-being and safety. The emergency services operated by the Animal Welfare Directorate are specifically designed for stray animals in distress. The primary goal of the animal rescue ambulance service is to provide rapid medical and rescue assis- tance to injured, sick, or distressed stray animals. Operating 24/7, these services function similarly to human medical emergency services, offering care and transport to licensed veterinary facili- ties for treatment and rehabilitation. By providing timely medical attention, the service significantly reduces suffer- ing and improves the overall well-being of stray animals. It ensures that animals receive necessary medical care that might otherwise be unavailable to them. Effective management of stray animals helps reduce the spread of zoonotic dis- eases and mitigates risks such as traffic accidents involving animals. Addition- ally, the service can help control aggres- sive or potentially dangerous animals, enhancing community safety. New legislations for pet groomers and pet sitters/boarders The Animal Welfare Directorate is also behind new legislation to regulate pet groomers and pet sitters/boarders. These regulations are designed to en- sure pets receive the highest standard of care, providing peace of mind to pet owners. The legislation for pet groomers in- cludes mandatory training and certifi- cation, regular inspections of grooming facilities, and strict hygiene standards. Groomers are now required to under- go rigorous training to handle animals safely and humanely, ensuring that pets are not subjected to any unnecessary stress or harm during grooming ses- sions. Facilities will be inspected to en- sure they meet the required standards of cleanliness and safety, protecting pets from potential hazards. For pet sitters and boarders, the new regulations mandate that individuals and businesses offering these services must register with the Animal Welfare Directorate. This registration process includes background checks and in- spections of the facilities where pets will be kept. The legislation also sets out specific requirements for the care of boarded pets, including appropriate feeding, exercise, and veterinary care. These measures ensure that pets are cared for in a safe and nurturing envi- ronment while their owners are away. More legislation will be announced in the coming weeks to continue safe- guarding our animals. These forthcom- ing regulations will further enhance the framework of animal welfare in Malta, addressing additional areas of concern and ensuring comprehensive protection for all animals. New animal ambulances The introduction of new animal ambu- lances equipped with advanced features such as emergency lights and sirens, cli- mate control in the animal cabin, insu- lation, and disinfectant-resistant coat- ings offers several significant benefits for both the transported animals and the medical professionals involved in their care. The climate control systems ensure that the internal temperature is maintained within a safe range, re- gardless of external weather conditions. This is crucial for animals sensitive to temperature changes, such as those with medical conditions or young and elderly animals. Proper temperature regulation helps reduce stress and discomfort for the animals, creating a calmer and more stable environment during transport. This is especially important for animals in critical condition. By maintaining a stable temperature, the climate control systems protect animals from heat- stroke in hot weather and hypothermia in cold conditions. Insulation helps maintain the desired temperature more efficiently, reducing the energy required for heating or cool- ing. This not only improves the opera- tional efficiency of the ambulance but also ensures consistent climate control. Insulation reduces noise levels inside the ambulance, helping keep animals calmer and reducing anxiety during transport. Insulated panels provide a more comfortable environment, both thermally and acoustically, helping keep animals relaxed and stable. The internal coating of these ambu- lances is resistant to disinfectants on surfaces, preventing the build-up of harmful bacteria, viruses, and patho- gens. This is essential for preventing cross-contamination between different animals and ensuring a sterile environ- ment. Such coatings make it easier to clean and disinfect the ambulance after each use, preventing diseases like Ca- nine Parvovirus (CPV), Canine Distem- per, Feline Panleukopenia, and others. With continued support from the community and ongoing collabora- tion with partners, the Directorate is well-positioned to achieve even great- er success in their mission to protect and promote the well-being of animals across Malta. As parliamentary secretary responsi- ble for animal welfare, I am proud to be part of a government that prioritises the rule of law and animal welfare, ensuring a fair and just society for all Maltese cit- izens and their beloved pets. Alicia Bugeja Said is parliamentary secretary for animal welfare Alicia Bugeja Said