Maltese Supermarkets Complain About Repression Of Pets On Trolls
Major Maltese supermarkets have said they are encouraging themselves to react to customers following a new crackdown by health authorities on pet owners who take their pets with them while shopping.
Speaking to Times of Malta, Deputy CEO Pama and Pavi Malcolm Camilleri he said its supermarkets introduced pet trolleys two years ago at the request of customers and expects this new policy to be welcomed.
“From the feeling we have, pets are like children to their owners and love to be with them. They buy clothes and even come with their own pushchairs, ”he said, adding that pets should be allowed inside supermarkets if all necessary health precautions are taken and not left near food.
Wellbee CEO Jonathan Shaw said his supermarkets will now have to go through the process of explaining to frustrated customers that the situation is out of their control.
“I understand the dynamics of the pet-owner relationship and we will have to face that issue because some may decide not to go where their pets are not allowed,” he said.
Greens Supermarket managing director Joseph Sammut said he hoped the law would be revised to allow pets to join their owners in supermarkets in specially armed trolleys.
“Our customers were very happy; their pets were dressed up and it looked like a spectacle, while others never complained and had fun watching them too, ”he said.
Animal activists have also expressed anger at the crackdown, with Moria Delia pointing out that dogs are allowed to accompany their owners to hotels, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets in various European countries.
Animal Liberation Malta pointed out the irony in the fact that, from now on, the only animals allowed inside the supermarkets will be the dead ones in the slaughterhouse.
“As a child, a few months ago we all had to wear masks to enter the said stores to protect ourselves from a disease caused by the exploitation and consumption of animals, “said the activist group.
“Health authorities seem to have their priorities confused – when have they ever warned us about the dangers of meat and dairy products? When did you ever warn us about the dangers to our health? ”
“While countries across Europe are urging people to take their pets to shops, restaurants, hotels and establishments, we are doing the exact opposite. We can only be so progressive … ”
The restraint is based on the EU’s Food Safety Act 2004 which “prevents pets from having access to places where food is prepared, handled and stored” but which comes with a condition allowing the authorities to allow this in certain cases if such access is not. does not result in food contamination.
Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina told Lovin Malta that she had asked the Commissioner for Health and the Ministry of Health whether they would issue guidelines to prevent contamination in light of this. provided.
Cover photo: Left: Stock Image, Right: Health Minister Chris Fearne (Photo: Facebook – Chris Fearne)
Should pets be allowed inside supermarkets?