Current Issues in Malta:

Lack of Enforcement and Legal Measures:

There is a notable lack of enforcement of current animal welfare laws in Malta. This includes:

• Enforcement of Current Microchip Requirements: All dogs should be microchipped, and this law must be strictly enforced.
• Microchipping Requirement for Puppies: Any puppies sold or rehomed must be microchipped before the transaction and registered under a licensed breeder.
• Heavy Fines for Abandonment: Significant fines should be imposed on those who abandon their pets, with spot checks and fines issued on the spot. Increased fines for repeat offenders, potentially leading to jail time, should be implemented.
• Undercover Officers for Backyard Breeders: Officers should investigate and take action against unlicensed breeders. Anyone breeding dogs without a license is considered a backyard breeder and should face strict penalties.
• Strict Penalties for Unregistered Sales: There should be strict and harsh penalties for anyone selling dogs without being a registered breeder. This applies to all dogs, regardless of breed.

Overpopulation and Abandonment of Bully Breeds:

Malta faces a significant problem with the overpopulation of bully breeds, partly due to irresponsible breeding and ownership. This overpopulation has led to a higher rate of abandonment, with many dogs left in animal welfare facilities or on the streets. The lack of proper regulation and enforcement of existing laws has exacerbated this issue, resulting in overcrowded animal welfare facilities and inadequate care for these animals.

Inadequate Care in Animal Welfare Dog Section:

The dogs in Maltese animal welfare facilities often do not receive the necessary care, including proper assessment, exercise, and behavioural training. Overcrowded conditions and limited resources mean that many dogs' physical and psychological needs are not met. They need more trained staff, more exercise areas, better medical care, more space, and more people to provide the care and attention they require. This neglect can lead to the development of behavioural issues, making it harder for these animals to be rehomed and increasing their time in confinement.

Concerns About Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL):

We strongly oppose the introduction of BSL in Malta. BSL does not contribute positively to animal welfare; instead, it can exacerbate the issues of abuse and backyard breeding. It unfairly targets specific breeds and often leads to increased abuse and neglect as these dogs become more stigmatized. Moreover, BSL does not effectively address the root causes of animal mistreatment and can make the situation worse by driving the breeding and sale of these dogs underground. This clandestine environment fosters even worse conditions for the dogs involved, further compounding the problems BSL purports to solve. It fails to end the abuse and mistreatment, and instead, merely shifts these issues into less visible, more dangerous areas.

We are writing this with the utmost respect for these dogs, as we face the challenges associated with them every day. We want to be proactive and thoughtful, rather than rushing into decisions without considering the clear examples from the UK. Our concern extends to the implications of such legislation on people moving to Malta; under the proposed regulations, anyone owning a bully breed would not be allowed to bring their dog into the country. It is important to clarify that the term "bull breeds" encompasses a wide variety of dogs, including French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, and many more. This broad classification further underscores the potential injustice and misunderstanding inherent in Breed-Specific Legislation.

The term "bull breeds" generally refers to a group of dog breeds that share certain physical characteristics and ancestry, often including a history of being bred for bull-baiting or similar tasks. Here is a list of breeds commonly considered under the "bull breeds" umbrella:

1. American Bulldog
2. American Pit Bull Terrier
3. American Staffordshire Terrier
4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
5. Bull Terrier
6. Miniature Bull Terrier
7. English Bulldog
8. French Bulldog
9. Boxer
10. Bullmastiff
11. Dogo Argentino (sometimes included due to similar traits)
12. Olde English Bulldogge
13. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
14. Boston Terrier (sometimes included due to its bulldog ancestry)
15. American Bully (a newer breed derived from the American Pit Bull Terrier and other bull breeds)

Conclusion:
By signing this petition, you stand with us in advocating for a fair and just approach to animal welfare in Malta. We call on the Maltese government to focus on responsible ownership and the enforcement of current laws, rather than implementing discriminatory measures against specific breeds through BSL. Let's work together to create a safe and compassionate environment for all animals.