Non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations that improve the welfare of animals received funds from Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Clint Camilleri in recognition of their valid and effective efforts and contributions to the sector. These include animal sanctuaries, organisations promoting responsible animal ownership and awareness, and groups which provide animal support services.
Speaking on the Occasion, Parliamentary Secretary Clint Camilleri said, “This initiative assists voluntary organisations which are active in this field. The ‘Animal Welfare Fund Grant Support Scheme’ has been purposely set up to translate this into a reality.”
He further said, “By means of next year’s budget, the allocation for the Animal Welfare Fund is to increase from last year’s €60,000 to €80,000. This increase will be reflected in the amount to be administered to such NGOs.”
He also thanked the organizations for their hard work and emphasized the importance of NGOs and the Animal Welfare Directorate working closely together.
The ‘Animal Welfare Fund Grant Support Scheme’ aims to support non-governmental, not-for-profit voluntary organisations that are in line with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations to undertake animal welfare projects.
Upon the recommendation of the Animal Welfare Fund Committee, the priority areas for funding in 2017 were: ‘Improvements in animal sanctuaries and shelter services, including the refurbishment and upgrading of facilities’; ‘Provision of new structures for animal accommodation’; ‘Improvements to buildings’; ‘Upgrading of equipment according to approved standards in line with the relevant local and EU regulations’; ‘Neutering for stray dogs and cats’.
Contributions towards specific expenses such as medicines, veterinary treatment, food and transport and other relevant areas which were considered with the approval of the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights. The funds received which amounts 50% of the Animal Welfare Fund Project, with the remaining 50% to be given to organisations next year has to be spent over period of one year.
The NGOs which have benefited from this fund are: Animal Care Malta – €2,400, Association for Abandoned Animals (AAA) – €3,000, Stray Animals Support Group (SASG) – €2,940.80, National Cat Society – €3,000, Gozo SPCA – €3,000, St. Paul’s Bay Charity – €3,000, Cats and Dogs Shelter – €3,000, Bird life Malta – €2,990.
