Malta & Gozo need more dog-friendly beaches, says Commissioner for Animal Welfare
After carrying out research on dog-friendly beaches in Malta and Gozo, the Office of The Commissioner for Animal Welfare has confirmed nine beaches where you can legally take your four-legged friend for a refreshing dip.
But if that seems like it’s not enough, well, it would appear that the Commissioner's office – whose mission it is to promote and advocate for animal welfare and the highest standards of health – thinks you're right!
More dog-friendly beaches?
“Discussions are still ongoing with the different entities and authorities involved to increase the number of dog-friendly beaches in Malta and Gozo,” the office said in a statement, adding that, “undoubtedly, Malta, and especially Gozo, need more dog-friendly beaches.”
“If we truly expect people living in the Maltese Islands to treat their dogs as family members, it cannot remain so difficult to take dogs swimming with the rest of the family,” it continued – and as animal lovers ourselves, we couldn’t agree more.
The office highlights the fact that the decision to declare a beach dog-friendly lies with Malta’s Environmental Health Directorate and the Superintendence of Public Health, which act on suggestions made by the Animal Welfare Directorate.
And why the hassle, you ask?
Well, dogs not being allowed on beaches actually relates to water quality, which, based on scientific research and WHO guidelines, is affected by bacteria from dog waste, potentially putting people’s health at risk.
As things stand, taking your dog to any other beach that isn’t factored into the dog-friendly list above could land you a fine of between €232 and €4,658 and possibly even six months imprisonment! And if you’re caught doing it a second time, the fine goes up to a minimum of €465 and a maximum of €11,646 and/or not less than two years imprisonment!
Would you like to see more beaches on the islands classified as dog-friendly?