Jacobean Cildania (5321 - 5369)

[Wu Han]

7 February 5331
Deputy Tonio Pullicino renews PK call for deregulated animal ownership
Deputy Pullicino's proposed 'Responsible Animal Ownership Act' would allow Cildanians to own and trade in endangered, wild, and exotic animals without government oversight

➥ Deputy Pullicino (PK) speaking to reporters in Qart Qildar

Qart Qildar, Aqildar Principality: Unfettered and unregulated animal ownership has long been a policy position advanced by the Constitutionalist Party (Partit Kostituzzjonalista; PK) in the Council of Deputies, though proposals to that end have been routinely defeated when brought to a vote. Deputy Tonio Pullicino (PK), however, believes that his proposed Responsible Animal Ownership Act of 5331 may yet achieve success.

“Cildanians love and respect their animals, and know how best to take care of them,” Mr. Pullicino told reporters outside in Qildar this morning. “I have faith that, God willing, Cildanians will soon be free to practice their love with any animal they choose.”

Mr. Pullicino and the Constitutionalists in Council are likely to face stiff opposition from the government and other opposition parties which have blocked similar legislation before. Moreover, the passage of such a bill would arguably be in contravention of customary international environmental law, such as that which is enshrined through the widely-adopted Treaty for the Protection of Endangered Animals and the IUCN (though it is important to note that Cildania has notably not ratified either agreement). Nevertheless, Mr. Pullicino remains optimistic, describing his legislation as a clear ideological bellwether for the lawmakers in Qart Qildar:

“Voting on the RAO Act will demonstrate to Cildanians exactly which of their elected officials are in favour of expanded liberty and freedom, and which politicians seek a return to the statist authoritarianism of the pre-democratic period” said Mr. Pullicino. “We Constitutionalists know that we will always be on the side of freedom.”

Il-Ġurnal is a broadsheet daily newspaper in Cildania, owned by the Magro Family. The newspaper has a 'moderate' editorial bent.

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 12 Jul 2023.