Police inspector appointed Animal Welfare Commissioner
Inspector Elliot Magro will take over from Fleur Abela, who was elected MP
Updated 2.06pm
A police inspector has been appointed Malta’s new Animal Welfare Commissioner, taking over from Fleur Abela when his appointment comes into effect on July 20.
Inspector Elliot Magro has served in the police force for more than 21 years, including the past 11 years as an inspector. In recent years he has headed the Environment Protection Unit (EPU), leading investigations and enforcement action into environmental crimes and cases involving animal cruelty and mistreatment.
His appointment was announced in a government statement on Saturday.
Magro holds an honours degree in criminology, a diploma in policing and several international certifications in environmental crime enforcement. He is currently reading for a master's degree in criminology at the University of Malta.
His work on animal welfare was recognised in 2022 when he received the Animal Welfare Commissioner's Special Award at the Animal Honours Awards, in recognition of his enforcement of laws relating to animal cruelty and abuse.
The Office of the Commissioner for the Fair Treatment of Animals is tasked with promoting animal welfare and safeguarding the rights and protection of animals in Malta and Gozo.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said thanked outgoing commissioner Fleur Abela for her work during her term and wished Magro success in his new role.
Abela only served in the role for around six months, having been appointed in October 2025. She was subsequently elected to parliament in the May 30 general election.
The Malta Ranger Unit welcomed the appointment, noting that Magro has always shown "genuine interest in animal welfare and carried out his duty with the highest integrity" during his time at the EPU.
"We wish to thank the Inspector for his duty to protect nature and hold offenders accountable. It has been an honour for our Rangers to assist him in getting successful prosecution in court by providing witness statements," the Malta Ranger Unit said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
The MRU added Magro's replacement at the EPU will have "big shoes to fill".
"Animal Welfare now has a Commissioner with the highest knowledge of Animals Welfare legislation. It is a big win for our country and gives us hope that things will become better."