End Breed-Specific Discrimination Malta


End Breed-Specific Discrimination Malta
The Issue
Petition to Regularize All Cross-Breeding Practices and End Breed-Specific Discrimination
Subject: Oppose the Prohibition of Breeding and Keeping of Non-Pedigree Bully Type Dogs Regulations – Call for Comprehensive Regulation of Cross-Breeding and Fair Dog Welfare Laws
We, the undersigned, oppose the recently introduced Prohibition of Breeding and Keeping of Non-Pedigree Bully Type Dogs Regulations. While we support the need for responsible breeding practices, we believe that targeting specific breeds is both unfair and ineffective. Instead, we advocate for a comprehensive approach that regularizes all cross-breeding practices without singling out any particular breed, ensuring that all dogs receive equal protection under the law.
Our Proposal for Reform:
- Regularize Cross-Breeding:
Regulation of Cross-Breeding: We propose that cross-breeding of dogs be strictly regulated to prevent irresponsible breeding. Individuals caught engaging in unauthorized cross-breeding will face fines, and any puppies produced will be confiscated. The parent dogs must undergo mandatory neutering to prevent future litters.
Penalties for Repeat Offenders: Individuals who are found engaging in cross-breeding more than once will be prosecuted in court, with stricter penalties for repeat violations to discourage irresponsible practices.
- Humane Handling of Accidental Litters:
Puppy Welfare: In the case of accidental litters, owners must ensure puppies stay with the mother until they are at least 8 weeks old. After this period, the puppies will be surrendered to shelters, NGOs, or animal welfare organizations, where they can be properly cared for and adopted.
Mandatory Microchipping: All puppies must be microchipped before they leave the mother, and the mother dog should be neutered to prevent future litters.
- Automatic Adoption for Abandoned Dogs:
Abandoned or surrendered puppies and adult dogs should be eligible for automatic adoption through shelters, NGOs, or animal welfare organizations without requiring approval from authorities. Every dog, whether cross-bred or purebred, deserves a fair chance at finding a home.
Licensed Breeding for Pedigree Dogs Only:
Breeding should be limited to licensed breeders of pedigree dogs. This will help ensure responsible breeding practices, reduce the overpopulation of unwanted dogs, and provide better control over the breeding process.
Reasons for Our Petition:
- End Breed-Specific Discrimination: Singling out specific breeds, such as bull breeds, creates unfair stigmatization and fails to address the root cause of irresponsible breeding. Aggression or behavioural issues are not tied to specific breeds but rather to improper care, training, and management by owners.
- Comprehensive Regulation of Cross-Breeding: Cross-breeding, whether intentional or accidental, must be regulated to prevent overpopulation and protect animal welfare. By focusing on responsible ownership and regularizing all cross-breeding practices, we can ensure better outcomes for dogs and their communities.
- Practical and Humane Solutions: Breed-specific legislation is difficult to enforce and creates unnecessary burdens on shelters and NGOs. A more practical approach would involve regularizing cross-breeding, implementing mandatory microchipping, and ensuring that all dogs, regardless of breed, have access to homes and care.
We urge lawmakers to revise the current legislation to reflect a fair and balanced approach to dog welfare. By regularizing cross-breeding, enforcing responsible breeding practices, and ending breed-specific discrimination, we can protect both animals and the community in an equitable and humane way.

250
The Issue
Petition to Regularize All Cross-Breeding Practices and End Breed-Specific Discrimination
Subject: Oppose the Prohibition of Breeding and Keeping of Non-Pedigree Bully Type Dogs Regulations – Call for Comprehensive Regulation of Cross-Breeding and Fair Dog Welfare Laws
We, the undersigned, oppose the recently introduced Prohibition of Breeding and Keeping of Non-Pedigree Bully Type Dogs Regulations. While we support the need for responsible breeding practices, we believe that targeting specific breeds is both unfair and ineffective. Instead, we advocate for a comprehensive approach that regularizes all cross-breeding practices without singling out any particular breed, ensuring that all dogs receive equal protection under the law.
Our Proposal for Reform:
- Regularize Cross-Breeding:
Regulation of Cross-Breeding: We propose that cross-breeding of dogs be strictly regulated to prevent irresponsible breeding. Individuals caught engaging in unauthorized cross-breeding will face fines, and any puppies produced will be confiscated. The parent dogs must undergo mandatory neutering to prevent future litters.
Penalties for Repeat Offenders: Individuals who are found engaging in cross-breeding more than once will be prosecuted in court, with stricter penalties for repeat violations to discourage irresponsible practices.
- Humane Handling of Accidental Litters:
Puppy Welfare: In the case of accidental litters, owners must ensure puppies stay with the mother until they are at least 8 weeks old. After this period, the puppies will be surrendered to shelters, NGOs, or animal welfare organizations, where they can be properly cared for and adopted.
Mandatory Microchipping: All puppies must be microchipped before they leave the mother, and the mother dog should be neutered to prevent future litters.
- Automatic Adoption for Abandoned Dogs:
Abandoned or surrendered puppies and adult dogs should be eligible for automatic adoption through shelters, NGOs, or animal welfare organizations without requiring approval from authorities. Every dog, whether cross-bred or purebred, deserves a fair chance at finding a home.
Licensed Breeding for Pedigree Dogs Only:
Breeding should be limited to licensed breeders of pedigree dogs. This will help ensure responsible breeding practices, reduce the overpopulation of unwanted dogs, and provide better control over the breeding process.
Reasons for Our Petition:
- End Breed-Specific Discrimination: Singling out specific breeds, such as bull breeds, creates unfair stigmatization and fails to address the root cause of irresponsible breeding. Aggression or behavioural issues are not tied to specific breeds but rather to improper care, training, and management by owners.
- Comprehensive Regulation of Cross-Breeding: Cross-breeding, whether intentional or accidental, must be regulated to prevent overpopulation and protect animal welfare. By focusing on responsible ownership and regularizing all cross-breeding practices, we can ensure better outcomes for dogs and their communities.
- Practical and Humane Solutions: Breed-specific legislation is difficult to enforce and creates unnecessary burdens on shelters and NGOs. A more practical approach would involve regularizing cross-breeding, implementing mandatory microchipping, and ensuring that all dogs, regardless of breed, have access to homes and care.
We urge lawmakers to revise the current legislation to reflect a fair and balanced approach to dog welfare. By regularizing cross-breeding, enforcing responsible breeding practices, and ending breed-specific discrimination, we can protect both animals and the community in an equitable and humane way.

250
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Petition created on 10 September 2024