Dogs Confiscated After Mauling Owner in Malta Cost Taxpayers €3,000 Monthly, Activists Say

Six dogs that were confiscated in Msida, Malta after attacking their owner are costing taxpayers over €3,000 per month to kennel, according to animal rights activists. The dogs, which belonged to Andre Galea, have been "innocently imprisoned for life" and do not get walks or interact with other dogs, but are left locked up in their kennels.

In April 2022, Galea was attacked by two of his pit bulls outside his house. Neighbors heard his screams, and he ended up stabbing and killing one of the dogs. Animal welfare officers then seized the two dogs involved in the attack, along with another eight dogs from Galea's property.

A year later, the confiscated dogs are still being held in private kennels at a significant cost to taxpayers. Animal rights activists claim the dogs are not receiving proper care in their confinement. This was not the first violent incident involving Galea's dogs. In 2020, his pit bulls had mauled his 95-year-old grandmother to death, and he was accused of her involuntary homicide.

Why this matters: The case highlights the ongoing debate about responsible dog ownership and the challenges faced by authorities in dealing with dangerous dogs. It also raises questions about the welfare of confiscated animals and the associated costs to the public.

Animal rights NGOs are now pushing for a temporary ban on the breeding and importation of bully breed dogs in Malta. They argue that the government is left with over 80 such dogs in its care that are difficult to adopt out. Activists fear that if a timely ban is not introduced, the government may have to resort to introducing kill shelters to manage the growing number of confiscated dogs.

"We are imprisoning these dogs for life when they have done no wrong. The wrong was done by the owner, the breeder, and the authorities that allowed them to be bred and bought in the first place," said a spokesperson for Animal Liberation Malta. The group asserts that the confiscated dogs are paying the price for irresponsible human actions and decisions.

Key Takeaways

• 6 dogs confiscated in Malta after attacking owner, costing €3,000/month to kennel
• Dogs "innocently imprisoned for life", not receiving proper care or interaction
• Owner previously accused of involuntary homicide after dogs mauled his 95-year-old grandmother
• Animal rights groups push for ban on bully breed dogs to avoid growing confiscated dogs
• Activists argue confiscated dogs are "paying the price for irresponsible human actions"