animal welfare

Animal Liberation Malta are claiming the four lions and leopard have been relocated to 'lifeless, concrete structures' surrounded by steel bars in Dingli. Photo: Facebook

This is where Naxxar lions and leopard have ended up, activists say

Authorities 'satisfied' by the new enclosures

May 12, 2025| Giulia Magri
The four lions and leopard found in poor conditions in Naxxar have been relocated, Animal Rights Minister Anton Refalo (insert) confirmed. Photo: Vuċi għall-Annimali/ Jonathan Borg

Watch: Naxxar lions relocated and do not belong to Christian Borg, minister says

Anton Refalo says four lions and a leopard are kept at 'registered' site

May 12, 2025| Giulia Magri
The shark seen off the coast of Sliema (left) is a suspected blue shark. Photo, right: Shutterstock.com

Currents could have brought ‘placid’ shark close to shore, fisherman says

Suspected blue shark is ‘no cause for concern’ – expert

May 11, 2025| Matthew Bonanno
The shark's fin was visible above the water on Friday. Screenshot: Nikolche Nestoroski/Facebook.

Watch: Shark spotted off Sliema: experts say it's a great white or blue shark

A video of the suspected shark emerged on social media

May 9, 2025| James Cummings, Matthew Bonanno
Activists say the lions and leopard in Naxxar are set to be registered to Christian Borg (inset). Photo (main): Vuċi għall-Annimali.

Naxxar lions and leopard to be registered to Christian Borg, activists say

Activists say the animals have been sedated and microchipped and will be moved 'within days'

May 9, 2025| James Cummings
The Commissioner for Animal Welfare Alison Bezzina is "highly disappointed" that the Luna Park will once again be located next to the Ta' Qali Petting Farm.

Animal Welfare Commissioner condemns Luna Park location next to petting farm

Prioritise animal well-being and relocate event - Alison Bezzina

May 8, 2025| Times of Malta
The incident took place at Triq il-Frejgatina, St Paul’s Bay. 

Police shoot 'dangerous' dog after it attacked its owner

Man suffered grievous injuries after trying to break up a fight between his two dogs

May 8, 2025| Daniel Ellul
Photo: Shutterstock.com

How dogs and cats are evolving to look alike and it's humans' fault

We're hard-wired to respond to infant features like rounded heads, small noses and large eyes

May 8, 2025| Times2
Sheep in the middle of the Cirque de Gavarnie in the green countryside in Occitanie, Hautes-Pyrenees, France. Photo: Shutterstock.com

Watch: Living among the living (ARTE)

The thoughts of Viciane Despret and Baptiste Morizot

May 5, 2025| ARTE
Christian Borg says the illegal structure on the top of his Swieqi penthouse will serve as temporary housing for a chimpanzee with whom he currently lives.

My chimpanzee needs a house, Christian Borg appeals to PA

Borg built illegal cage on top of Swieqi apartment to house pet primate

April 27, 2025| Matthew Bonanno
Captivity steals more than physical freedom. It robs animals of purpose. File photo: Shutterstock.com

Lion Kings and village idiots

Wild animals don’t just ‘appear’ on these islands. Someone, somewhere in the system, is greenlighting the process

April 27, 2025| Michela Spiteri
On Tuesday animal rights activists protested outside the Veterinary Regulations Directorate's office. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Authorities refused foreign NGOs' help to relocate lions, leopard - Momentum

'No expertise or resources available to assess situation properly'

April 17, 2025| Times of Malta
Among others, the event will shine a spotlight on the need for a cultural shift towards empathy and respect for animals and for one another.

MSPCA event in aid of animal welfare to be held at Salesian Theatre

‘A Night at the Salesians’ to include talks and performances

April 16, 2025| Press Release
Protesters in a cage outside the Veterinary Regulation Directorate's offices on Tuesday. (Matthew Mirabelli)

Activists protest poor conditions for lions, leopard as relocation stalls

Four lions and a leopard were found in poor conditions in Naxxar four months ago, and not much has happened since

April 15, 2025| Daniel Ellul
One of the four lions and a panther locked up inside the Naxxar property.

Four months on, no physical vet checks for Naxxar’s lions

Protest to take place later today outside VRD offices in Marsa

April 15, 2025| Emma Borg, Giulia Magri
The court concluded that Mallia had caused unnecessary suffering to the animal. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Man jailed three years for shooting cat and mutilating a puppy

Clyde Mallia had nine prior convictions

April 14, 2025| Matthew Bonanno
Two stray dogs resting on a pavement in Istanbul. Photo: Shutterstock.com

Watch: Turkey – stray dogs targeted

Animal rights groups are claiming that the new legislation is inhumane

April 14, 2025| ARTE
Activits say authorities have no solution for the lions held in Naxxar. This is a file photo. Photo: Shutterstock

Watch: Activists call protest due to ‘no solution’ for Naxxar lions

Moira Delia and other activists announce protest in front of VRD offices in Marsa

April 12, 2025| Emma Borg, Giulia Magri
Over a month ago, owners keeping dangerous animals illegally were given a 90-day amnesty. The junior minister for animal rights Alicia Bugeja Said (inset) told Times of Malta the response so far has been good. Photo: DOI/ Shutterstock

'Good response' to amnesty call for registering dangerous animals

€85,000 awarded to voluntary organisations working with animals 

March 28, 2025| Daniel Ellul
Animal rights activists demonstrate while the Mexico City Congress debates an initiative to ban bullfighting in the capital on March 18. Photos: Yuri Cortez/AFP

Watch: Mexico City, home to world’s biggest bullring, bans killing bulls

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum last week threw her support behind the initiative

March 19, 2025| AFP
With over 120 years of unwavering service, the MSPCA has been at the forefront of advocating for animal rights.

Contributing to animal welfare in Malta

Papaya Ltd partners with Malta Society for the Protection and Care of Animals

March 17, 2025| Press Release
Bruce the dog a few days before being euthanised. Photo: Maria D'amato

Activist finds home for abandoned dog - but it had already been put down

Offers to take in Bruce came just minutes after he was euthanised

March 14, 2025| Emma Borg
The woman said dog's owner refused to give his name or contact number after the incident and walked off.

Woman bitten on arm and leg in Pembroke dog attack

Victim says owner refused to give her his name or number

March 7, 2025| Daniel Ellul
Government is granting an amnesty to owners of unregistered dangerous animals. Photo: Shutterstock.com

Betrayed by their protectors

The highest authority in the administration responsible for the protection of animal welfare is selling out animals’ rights

March 5, 2025| Franco Vassallo
They are known for their athleticism, versatility and good disposition. Photo: Shutterstock.com

Watch: The Connemara Pony: An Irish legend (ARTE)

The Connemara Pony is intelligent with a good temperament

March 3, 2025| ARTE
Pictures from CCTV footage showing the groomer using a ‘noose’ to handle the dog. Photos: Animal Welfare Directorate

Pet dog died after groomer used ‘noose’, court hears

Animal Welfare Directorate report gives detailed account of ‘harsh techniques’ allegedly employed

February 24, 2025| Marc Galdes
The animal hospital has been shut since 2023. File photo: Times of Malta

The system is letting us down

There is no excuse for letting citizens experience horrifying situations like this while ministries fight over who needs to shell out the cash to make things happen

February 23, 2025| Anna Marie Galea
Already struggling to find adoptive homes, bully breeds are likely to face even greater challenges under breed-specific legislation (BSL). Photo: Shutterstock.com

Rethinking breed-specific legislation

A veterinary surgeon and behaviourist’s perspective on canine welfare and policy in Malta

February 20, 2025| Maria Debono
People who do not register dangerous animals will be liable to stiff fines.

Owners given three months to register dangerous animals

Stiff fines, imprisonment for those who ignore regulations

February 17, 2025| Times of Malta
Exotic pets are rarely housed in conditions that are suitable and adequate for their needs. Photo: Shutterstock.com

Editorial: Lack of enforcement encourages abuse

Government is again granting amnesty to owners keeping dangerous animals illegally

February 17, 2025| Times of Malta