Malta’s only 24/7 animal hospital is expected to be re-opened within the year, the Education Ministry told Lovin Malta.The Ta’ Qali hospital has been closed since August of 2023 and was set to be opened at the start of the last scholastic year. However, this was delayed for unknown reasons.Moreover, when asked to give a specific timeline indicating the month of expected reopening, a spokesperson for the Ministry vaguely said MCAST is “committed” to reopening the facility “within the year”.The hospital in MCAST’s handsIn June 2024, MCAST was awarded the concession to run the animal hospital. The intention is to use it as a facility to offer MCAST Veterinary Medicine students valuable clinical placements and hands-on practical experience.Since taking over the concession, MCAST has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) which will be followed by the issuing of a tender. Whoever purchases the tender will be responsible for managing and operating the hospital.The hospital closed almost two years ago due to extensive damage caused to electricity cables during road works for the closure. Back in March 2024, Lovin Malta was told that the state discussions were ongoing to ensure the hospital would open in the “shortest time possible”.12 months later, an agreement has been reached but the hospital’s doors remain shut.As a result, owners of pets facing health issues outside a normal clinic’s office hours have been left scrambling to find help, often relying on the hope that their usual vet would be awake to answer their calls.Owners have shared horrific stories of delayed help as their animal suffered, with one family having to watch their young dog have 50 seizures before he had to be put down the next day due to the extensive damage.As a result of this tragic case, Animal Guardians Malta launched a petition calling for the hospital to be reopened urgently. 4,591 people have since signed but since it is not a parliamentary petition, parliament isn’t obliged to discuss it.Are you satisfied with the Ministry’s response?•