Students are given the opportunity to learn about animal welfare

January saw the launch of two new publications by Commissioner Alison Bezzina, the Commissioner for Animal Welfare. These were written by Dunstan Hamilton EO PSCD and George Farrugia and Kevin Mercieca from the Office of Commissioner for Animal Welfare.

A total of 60 Schools have so far taken up the invitation regarding the initiative to have an Animal Welfare lesson in class. Total number of students reached so far is 7,826 pupils.

Launch, presided by Hon Anton Refalo and Hon Justyne Caruana, was held at St Thomas More College, Primary School at Marsascala.

The initiative, taken up by 7 Gozitan Schools , 35 Maltese State Schools, 12 Church Schools, 5 Independent Schools and the Virtual School includes the screening of a Short Animal Awareness online message plus distribution of the new free bilingual publication for Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 classes.

Both the publications being given free as well as the message by Commissioner Bezzina on the clips emphasize the responsibilities that come with being a pet owner, highlight the animal ambulance freephone 1717 should one ever see an injured animal outside and stresses, the observance of laws related to pet ownership and care as well as the five freedoms every animal has a right to have, these being access to food and drink, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain and disease, freedom to express normal behaviour and freedom from fear and distress.

Some copies of the publications remain so any interested schools who have not yet shown their interest can send an email to: [email protected]

Teachers in the participating schools are also discussing this topic with their students and also directing them to the recorded lessons on the topic available within the PSCD Teleskola Recorded Lessons.