The keeping of exotic pets under Maltese law

Abstract

This dissertation examines the extent of the implementation of the Five Freedoms and Five Domains Model in Maltese animal welfare legislation in relation to exotic pets kept by private individuals. This research does not include exotic pets kept in zoos. Animal welfare is defined by reference to the research of David Mellor and John Webster. Reference is also made to exotic pet keeping and the definition of exotic pet. An analysis of the provisions of the Chapter 439 of the Laws of Malta, the Animal Welfare Act, Subsidiary Legislation 439.19, the Owning and Keeping of Dangerous Animals Regulations, and Subsidiary Legislation 439.16, the Protection of Animals Offered in Pet Shops (Minimum Standards) Regulations, was conducted. Conclusions as to what extent, if any, the aforementioned models of animal welfare implemented in the aforementioned legislation, were reached by analyzing and dissecting the legal jargon and terminology used therein. Following such critical analysis, a comparative analysis was carried out between the domestic legislation and the Animal Health and Welfare Act (2013) of the Republic of Ireland, and the Code of Practice for Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals (2020) published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. After highlighting areas in which domestic legislation lacks detail and guidance in relation to protecting the welfare of exotic pets, it was determined that domestic legislation does not implement the aforementioned models of animal welfare to the same extent as foreign legislation. This research sheds light and highlights current legal issues in relation to the welfare of exotic pets. This research proposes a set of legal amendments to strengthen the legal protection afforded to the welfare of exotic pets.