Malta
Max Farrugia - Chairman
Max has worked in the animal welfare sector since 1983. In 1986 he decided to focus on wildlife and attended a three week course in the UK on caring for injured wildlife. Following a second course in Italy, Max set up his own injured bird unit in 1989. Two years later Max set up a 24-hour emergency information service to advise on urgent animal welfare problems and supply phone numbers of sanctuaries, vets and other experts.
In 1992, Max was asked by John Hicks to set up a branch of International Animal Rescue in Malta. This was completed in March 1993. As well as caring for injured wildlife, Max lobbies tirelessly for improvements to animal welfare legislation, both nationally and Europe-wide.
Since Malta became a member of the European Union, a number of European groups have asked us to be their partners in Malta. Max serves on the European Committee for PIE (Pets in Europe) and ENDCAP (to end wildlife in captivity). Within PIE he holds the Vice-Presidency of the council and is also chairman of ENDCAP's Exotic Trade and Illegal Traffic of Wildlife Committee.