Animal Welfare Commissioner concerned about changes to law

Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina expressed concern about certain changes being proposed to the animal welfare law amid worries that they may also give rise to exploitation.

While expressing satisfaction that some recommendations are being adopted into law and expected to usher in a positive change, others pose legitimate concerns that ought to be addressed, she said.

The amendments to the law, which are being debated in parliament in committee stage, include provisions to amend the definition of a circus as well as include a clause providing for animals to be used as ‘props’ in artistic exhibitions, theatre performances and films.

In comments to Times of Malta, Bezzina expressed concern that the definition of a circus will be expanded to include the phrase “for-profit exhibition” and “that offers no educational value”.

Without further clarification, she said, these could potentially open loopholes that the amendment originally sought to tighten.

“If something is deemed cruel, it should be deemed so whether a person is doing it for profit or not. If an animal circus act is offered for free or charity it is still cruel to the animals.

“So, the words ‘for profit’ should...