Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543912
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 MARCH 2026 NEWS Animal welfare chief probes directorate over poor facilities COMMISSIONER for Animal Welfare Fleur Abela is investigating the Animal Welfare Directorate and its director Joseph John Vella amid concerns over deteriorating conditions at its Luqa fa- cilities. Central to the investigation are the facilities housing dogs and an appar- ent breakdown in the directorate's op- erations. The probe is also looking in- to allegations that the dog section has fallen into serious disrepair. According to sources familiar with the situation, blood was found on the floor of the facility and a number of dogs were seen defecating blood. The sources said several animals were found in very poor condition and dogs requiring specialised medical di- ets were not being given the prescribed food. Evidence submitted to the com- missioner allegedly indicates that the medical condition of some animals had been deteriorating over time. The commissioner was also informed the facilities available for dogs at the directorate were not adequate, accord- ing to sources. Complaints were not limited to activ- ists. Sources said adopters and mem- bers of the public who visited the facil- ity had also raised concerns about the worsening conditions. The investigation is also examining the functioning of the directorate it- self, with sources claiming communi- cation with the public and stakehold- ers had broken down in recent months. A number of emails sent to director Jo- seph John Vella remained unanswered for a number of weeks. Fleur Abela formally assumed the role of commissioner in November 2025. In December she had intervened to stop the transfer of dogs to a shelter in Italy. Abela had intervened and the dogs were instead rehomed in Malta. This incident gave her insight into the conditions of the directorate's facili- ties. Sources said that conditions at the Luqa compound had temporarily started to improve but by January the directorate had allegedly stopped re- sponding to emails from members of the public seeking assistance or servic- es. Sources said in recent months the directorate had also ceased commu- nicating with animal activists and NGOs. This breakdown in commu- nication allegedly led to a halt in sev- eral operational activities, including on-site inspections, investigations and registration processes. One source described the situation as "a total collapse of the animal welfare system". Sources said politicians had attempt- ed to intervene to improve the situa- tion but their efforts were not suc- cessful due to what they described as persistent mismanagement within the directorate. A spokesperson for Animal Rights Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Buge- ja Said confirmed the investigation is underway. "The secretariat has been informed that the Commissioner for Animal Welfare has initiated an investigation into the Animal Welfare Directorate. The secretariat respects this decision and the autonomy of the office, which is fully entitled to undertake such ac- tion within the scope of its mandate," a spokesperson said. "The secretariat has neither intervened in nor influ- enced this decision and will await the findings and recommendations result- ing from the investigation. These will guide any necessary steps that may be taken within the directorate." Questions sent to Joseph John Vella remained unanswered. KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt Commissioner for Animal Welfare Fleur Abela (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) Airport CEO says American market is golden opportunity for Malta DIRECT flights between Malta and New York this summer are a gold- en opportunity to open the islands up for the American market, Mal- ta's airport chief said. Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg said introducing a larger number of US tourists ties in with current attempts to attract "quality tourists". In an interview with MaltaTo- day a few months before Delta Air Lines begins direct flights to Mal- ta, Borg said official figures show that existing American tourists spend between €250 and €1,500 per night. The direct flights will enable the American market to grow. The airline had confirmed an initial schedule of three weekly flights between June and October. Asked about the risk of the au- thentic Maltese identity being wiped out by the same market pressures that thrive on it, Borg said Malta must invest in its iden- tity so it can stand out and be pre- served. The airport CEO further called for an increase in Maltese people working in the tourism industry, explaining that it can add value for the tourists seeking out Malta. MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Airport CEO Alan Borg (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)