Alison Bezzina out as Commissioner for Animal Welfare, without explanation
'They can take the title but not the voice' - Bezzina pledges to continue advocating for animal rights
Updated 7.48pm with new Commissioner appointed
After five years of “giving her all” as the Commissioner for Animal Welfare, Alison Bezzina says she was informed that her contract would not be renewed, with no explanation given.
On Thursday afternoon, Bezzina shared on social media that her contract would not be renewed despite her willingness to continue in the role, and that no explanation was given to her as to why it was terminated. She will be replaced by Fleur Abela.
“After five years of giving my all as Commissioner for Animal Welfare, I’ve been informed that my contract will not be renewed. No explanation. No discussion. And with a week's notice," she wrote.
“I was ready to continue. Ready to keep pushing. Ready to keep fighting for those who cannot speak," she continued.
In a statement on Thursday evening, the ministry thanked Bezzina for her "work and dedication".
During her tenure, Bezzina was often outspoken about the challenges of the role. In 2023, she told Times of Malta that she often felt “powerless” in her position, blaming a lack of resources and inadequate enforcement for “more animal suffering and hardships.”
In her post on Thursday, she said, “I know my voice has made some people uncomfortable. I know it has revealed truths many couldn't face. But if speaking up for animals, for justice, for compassion, for what is right, makes people uncomfortable, then so be it. That’s the kind of discomfort that brings change.”
She also admitted that, despite the challenges, she would do it all over again, and that losing the position hurts.
“It hurts because this role was never just a job to me. It was a mission, a responsibility, and at times, a lonely battle. But I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”
She thanked all those who supported her during her tenure and wished the next Commissioner luck, wisdom and strength, adding, "believe me, you will need all".
Bezzina pledged to continue fighting for animals even outside the role, just as she had before.
“They can take the title, but not the voice,” she said.
Bezzina has served as Commissioner for Animal Welfare since 2020.
Before taking on the role, she was known as a long-serving animal rights activist at the forefront of promoting animal welfare issues in Malta.
She replaced retired magistrate Dennis Montebello, who had held the role for two years from October 2018.
'Uniquely suited' - ADPD
ADPD The Green Party on Thursday evening commended Bezzina for her work while expressing "deep regret and concern" that her contract was being terminated so abruptly.
"A passionate animal lover and long-time animal rights activist, Bezzina was uniquely suited for this role. She has been outspoken in her criticism of zoos and the hunting lobby in Malta. It is unsettling that the Government appears to validate trapping under the guise of scientific research, while Ms. Bezzina, who strives to promote animal welfare, has had her role terminated," ADPD said.