Carers of Neglected Lions and Leopards in Malta to Be Prosecuted

The Veterinary Regulation Directorate (VRD) of Malta announced that legal action will be taken against those responsible for keeping four lions and a leopard in poor conditions on a Naxxar farm. A group of animal rights activists discovered the animals without food on New Year's Eve. The VRD stated that the enclosure did not meet regulations under the Veterinary Services Act and the Animal Welfare Act. They plan to relocate the animals to suitable facilities that meet all welfare and safety standards.

Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina emphasized the need for a proactive plan to identify and regulate wild animals in Malta. She highlighted the lack of resources and sanctuaries in Malta to cater to the needs of such animals, stating they should not be kept in captivity but in the wild. Malta is known to have under 400 wild animals in captivity, including tigers, lions, leopards, and pumas, which should not be kept as pets or in circuses and zoos.