A new petition by NGO Animal Guardians Malta is demanding the immediate establishment of a 24/7 animal hospital, claiming there is a severe lack of emergency veterinary care available during nights, weekends, and on public holidays.
The petition lays out the harrowing scenario to which owners of pets and carers of stray animals are exposed when attempting to find medical care for animals in critical need. Many report unanswered calls, closed clinics, and a general lack of access to veterinary clinics at times of critical need. The NGO believes that it is unacceptable and preventable.
The Need for Urgent Reform
Animal Guardians Malta assert that animals are not mere pets but beloved members of the family who have a right to receive timely, humane, and life-saving veterinary attention. The petition presents some high-priority demands:
• An operational 24/7 Animal Hospital for the provision of immediate veterinary services to pets and stray animals.
• Elimination of the much-debated triage system, which they claim will lead to preventable euthanasia of treatable animals.
• Financial assistance, for example a 50% discount in medical treatment for low-income pet owners, registered stray animal caregivers, and animal NGOs.
• Transparency of the Animal Welfare Department, whereby stray animal caregivers are notified about animals seized into government custody.
Public Outcry Over Animal Welfare Issues
The petition also targets Malta’s Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights for allegedly neglecting animal welfare. Activists say that agriculture and fisheries are well-supported by the government, but animal rights are still not given any attention.
The demand for a government-funded 24/7 veterinary hospital is not new. Animal Guardians Malta pointed out that past governments had already made promises for such a facility, but no proposal ever materialised.
Support for the Petition Grows
The campaign has been gaining traction already, with many pet owners and animal lovers stepping forward to recount their own experiences of finding it hard to get emergency care for their pets. Activists point out that delay in treatment leads to unnecessary suffering and death.
“We will not remain silent while animals suffer due to an imperfect system,” said the NGO. “The time is now.”
Animal Guardians Malta invite the public to sign the petition, pointing out that each signature is a stand for better veterinary care and stronger animal rights protection in Malta.
You can sign the petition here.
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