It’s been one month since Alicia Bugeja Said was appointed Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Animal Welfare, and she’s promising that the work to improve the lives of animals in Malta is well underway.In a video shared on social media, Bugeja Said reflected on her first weeks in the role, saying her focus has been on meeting the people at the heart of the sector, including volunteers, activists, animal organisations and pet owners. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)She said these discussions are helping shape the implementation of the government’s electoral manifesto commitments on animal welfare.“My priority is to listen to the sector,” she said, adding that understanding the challenges faced by those working with animals is essential to bringing about meaningful change.Bugeja Said also reaffirmed her commitment to improving animal wellbeing and strengthening efforts to combat animal abuse and negligence.She said the fight against cruelty to animals would remain a key priority and pledged that work would continue to ensure better protection and welfare standards across Malta.•