Fleur Abela named new animal welfare commissioner
Lawyer chosen after Alison Bezzina was abruptly told her contract will not be renewed 'with no explanation'
Updated 8.15am with Momentum reaction
Fleur Abela has been appointed the new Commissioner for Animal Welfare, replacing Alison Bezzina whose contract will not be renewed.
A government statement on Thursday evening said that Abela’s “passion is the rights of those who are vulnerable and her love for animals has been a constant throughout her professional and personal life.”
A law graduate, Abela continued her studies at the Queen Mary University in London. She is a specialist in civil law, family law and human rights and has worked on projects related to children and animal rights. She is the daughter of retired judge Toni Abela.
Fleur Abela, centre, with her parents. Photo: Fleur Abela/FacebookTaking to social media, Abela said she was “grateful” for the opportunity to serve as the new commissioner and thanked Bezzina “for the awareness raised on key issues and the work which I will seek to build upon”.
“Animal welfare is about responsibility, respect and action,” Abela said in her post.
“Together with NGOs, authorities, and the public, we can strengthen protection and build a culture where animals are treated with dignity and care. I pledge — to listen, act, and ensure progress that truly counts.”
Bezzina served as commissioner for five years and was known for her outspoken approach. She said she was not given any explanation why her contract was being terminated with just a week’s notice.
She vowed "to keep fighting for those who cannot speak”.
“They can take the title, but not the voice,” Bezzina said.
Momentum condemns dismissal, denounces political interference
On Friday, Momentum expressed solidarity with Bezzina, saying it firmly believed the role of commissioner was too crucial to be "subject to the whims of a political minister".
This position must be independent and answerable to parliament, not to a minister, to ensure it can function with more autonomy and less political interference, the party noted.
"Bezzina herself noted that her voice 'made some people uncomfortable' and 'revealed truths many couldn't face'. This forces us to ask: Was her principled and effective advocacy for animals becoming an inconvenience for a Minister whose voter base is strongly pro-hunting?"
Momentum's Katya Compagno called Bezzina's dismissal a "significant blow to animal welfare in Malta".
She described her as a tireless advocate who, in her own words, treated the role as a mission, not just a job.
"Her sudden removal, without cause or discussion, sends a chilling message to anyone brave enough to speak truth to power. We call for the law to be changed so that the Commissioner for Animal Welfare is a truly independent officer of Parliament, protecting animals without fear or favour."
The party augured the best for Abela, thanking Bezzina for her service and courage.
"We stand with her and echo her powerful sentiment: They can take the title, but not the voice. The fight for animal justice continues."
The party urged those who wanted to share frustration about animal welfare to join a meeting on Saturday here.