Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546491
Elliot Magro: 'Police training crucial in animal welfare investigations' 6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 SEPTEMBER 2026 INTERVIEW NEW animal welfare commis- sioner Elliot Magro believes criticism of the police over animal welfare investigations is largely down to a lack of specialised training among of- ficers. Magro, who spent the past eight years working as a po- lice officer with the Environ- mental Protection Unit, said his experience as a district police inspector had shown him that animal welfare cas- es were not always given pri- ority alongside more serious crimes. "I was an inspector at dis- trict police station, and I know what it feels like having to deal with fights, murders and disputes," he said. "These things sometimes would not be at the top of the pri- ority list, and I am speaking honestly." He says his views changed after working more closely with animal rights activists and volunteers, whose ded- ication convinced him that such cases also needed to be prioritised. Magro, who was appointed to the role around a month ago, also said he is currently drafting recommendations on karozzini, which have been subject of debate on whether they should be allowed during summer months. The animal welfare commis- sioner says his proposals will be based on research, while also putting forward solutions for problems which may arise. Asked whether he would recommend a complete ban during the three summer months even if this meant drivers would have no in- come during that period, he said animal welfare had to be balanced against other con- siderations. "My role is that of safe- guarding animal welfare, but you have to keep everything in mind – culture, livelihood of people," he said. He added that he wanted to accompany any recommen- New animal welfare commissioner Elliot Magro says his experience as a police inspector will help guide his new role. He sits down with Karl Azzopardi to discuss karozzini, the balance between culture and animal welfare and what he hopes to achieve as commissioner