Service dogs' rights and welfare debated in parliament

Dogs of the ‘K9’ section of Corradino Correctional Facilities (CCF) were transferred to new kennels in 2015 after it had been determined that they were becoming “as close as pets” to prisoners, reducing their effectiveness when required to carry out searches on inmates, Home Affairs Minister Carmel Abela said on Monday.

Abela, who was speaking in Parliament at the start of a second reading of a draft bill amending laws related to CCF, said that the dogs were now being transported by van to and from Mosta when necessary.

The minister said that dogs used by the police force – such as sniffer dogs used to trace illegal substances and explosives – be cared for by a guardian after being retired, instead of being put down.

Abela thanked the dogs and their handlers for the good work that had been carried out throughout the years.

Shadow minister Beppe Fenech Adami expressed solidarity on behalf of the opposition towards the police officer who was savagely beaten recently while off duty.

He recommended that CCF inmates be given responsibility of a dog, which would teach the prisoners discipline while possibly having a rehabilitative effect.

Fenech Adami said that the numerous animal rights’ organisations in Malta were finding it very difficult to carry out their missions due to a lack of finances.

“AAA migh have to relocate while many sanctuaries are finding it near to impossible to continue offering their services due to financial problems,” he said.

“I am not suggesting we allocate more of the tax payers’ money to help these NGOs, but we should be more pro-active since they provide an essential public service by keeping animals of the streets.”

He called for all interested parties to come together to find a solutionm before sanctuaries started closing their doors, and suggested that a private public partnership could be set up to tackle the issue.

Fenech Adami said that animal abuse was still a concern and that further education was called for.

“And yet, a private member’s bill presented seven months ago by the opposition on animals rights and which proposes regulations on chaining animals, and the use of choker collars and electronic collars, has still not been brought up for discussion in the House,” he said.

PN MP Mario Galea drew attention to the fact that springers – a breed of dog – require much exercise due to their high energy levels, and called for any Springers in the police force to be provided such levels of exercise.

He also called for consistency with treatment, for example noting when a canine has been given de-worming and de-fleeing treatment there should be a record of this.