Inspector Elliot Magro Appointed Animal Welfare Commissioner

Inspector Elliot Magro takes over as Commissioner for Animal Welfare on 20 July 2026. He spent the most recent chapter of a 21-year police career heading the Malta Police Force's Environment Protection Unit and now succeeds Fleur Abela, who vacated the role after being elected to Parliament. Magro has held the rank of Inspector for the last 11 years.

His qualifications include an Honours degree in Criminology, a Diploma in Policing and international certifications in environmental crime enforcement. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Criminology at the University of Malta. As head of the Environment Protection Unit, Magro oversaw investigation and enforcement of environmental crimes, including animal cruelty and mistreatment.

In 2022, he received the Commissioner for Animal Welfare Special Award at the Animal Honours Awards, held on World Animal Day, for his dedication to enforcing animal cruelty laws. Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said welcomed the appointment, thanked outgoing Commissioner Abela for her service and commitment and expressed confidence in Magro's ability to strengthen efforts for the protection and well-being of animals.