New Law to Prohibit Breeding and Owning of Non-Pedigree Bully Dogs to be Announced by Government

The Maltese government is set to announce a new law on Tuesday that will prohibit the breeding and keeping of non-pedigree bully breed dogs. This legislation will also make it illegal to breed, purchase, advertise, or own mixed bully breed dogs. However, owners of mixed breed or non-pedigree bully canines who had their pets before the law came into effect will not be in breach of the law or have their dogs confiscated by authorities.

The new law will clearly define bully breeds and specify which crosses will not be permitted. It will also mandate that owners looking to adopt or buy bully breed dogs can only do so from a recognized kennel club. This move comes after a long-standing debate in Malta surrounding bully breeds, which often intensifies when incidents involving these dogs circulate on social media and in newspapers.

Earlier this year, 27 bully breed dogs were rescued from a residence in Ħaż-Żebbuġ in April. This rescue operation prompted several NGOs and Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina to call for a temporary ban on breeding these dogs to address the high rate of abandonment they face. In her 2021 end-of-year report, Bezzina advocated for a nationwide ban on the importation and breeding of bully breeds, citing their frequent abandonment by owners.

In response to these concerns, the government launched a pilot project offering free neutering for bully breeds, with plans to extend the program to include all breeds. Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights Alicia Buegja Said emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting animal rights, stating, „Our aim is to continue to protect animal rights. In addition to renewing the neutering campaign for stray cats, we are also looking after the reproduction of certain dog breeds as most of them, unfortunately, end up abandoned.“

The decision to prohibit the breeding and keeping of non-pedigree bully breed dogs reflects a broader effort to address animal welfare issues in Malta. By implementing stricter regulations and promoting responsible ownership practices, the government aims to reduce the number of abandoned dogs and improve the overall well-being of animals in the country. As discussions continue on how best to manage bully breeds, the focus remains on finding a balance between protecting these dogs and ensuring the safety and welfare of both animals and the community.