After half a decade serving as Malta’s Commissioner for Animal Welfare, Alison Bezzina announced that her contract will not be renewed – a decision she says came without explanation, discussion, or warning.
“After five years of giving my all as Commissioner for Animal Welfare, I’ve been informed that my contract will not be renewed. No explanation. No discussion. And with a week’s notice,” she shared in a Facebook post on Thursday (today).
Ms Bezzina, who was appointed to the role in 2020, has been an outspoken advocate for stronger protection laws and enforcement in Malta’s animal welfare sector. Her time in office was often marked by bold statements and an unwavering push for reform – something she acknowledges may have made “some people uncomfortable.”
“I know my voice has made some people uncomfortable. I know it has revealed truths many couldn’t face. But if speaking up for animals, for justice, for compassion, for what is right, makes people uncomfortable, then so be it. That’s the kind of discomfort that brings change,” she wrote.
Speaking to WhosWho.mt, Ms Bezzina reflects on what she considers her proudest achievement during her term: Ensuring that individuals found guilty of animal cruelty can no longer keep animals, adding that one of her most meaningful milestones was the creation of a register for animal abusers – a first for Malta.
The outgoing Commissioner admitted that the news of her departure “hurts,” describing her role as “a mission, a responsibility, and at times, a lonely battle.” Yet, she remains steadfast in her commitment to continue her work beyond the confines of public office.
“As for me… I’m not going anywhere. I will keep fighting for animals – with or without a title, with or without an office, and definitely without fear. They can take the title, but not the voice.”
In a final message, Ms Bezzina thanked those who supported her efforts – from NGOs and animal activists to volunteers and feeders – saying their dedication reminded her that “Malta does have people who care deeply about animals and are not afraid to demand better.”
