Mizzi vice-president of animal welfare MEP intergroup

The European Parliament's Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals has appointed Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi as its new Vice President.

"Mizzi is a known animal lover and has been a member of this EP group also in the last legislature," a statement from Mizzi's office said.

“I am honoured to have been elected as a Vice-President of the Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals. Animals cannot talk, cannot defend themselves and speak up for their rights. But they do hurt and they do suffer. So, it is up to us to be their voices and defenders,” the MEP said.

The Animal Welfare Intergroup is one of the longest running and best attended in the European Parliament has been the main catalyst for action in shaping animal welfare legislation. The Intergroup has been a key factor in determining Parliament’s position on important issues such as the cloning of animals and protection of animals during transport.

Mizzi said that she had promised to be a strong defender of animal rights "determined to make a change and improve the lives of millions of animals across the EU."