PN Says Malta Needs A Shelter For Lions Found In Unsuitable Conditions

The Nationalist Party urged the government to create facilities that are capable of providing shelter to lions and other big cats found to be living in unsuitable conditions, such as those that were recently found in Naxxar.

“Despite existing laws clearly stating that such animals should be immediately confiscated and provided with temporary accommodation until a suitable permanent habitat is found, the Government failed to plan for this eventuality,” Shadow Animal Rights Minister Janice Chetcuti said.

“Consequently, it remains unclear what the ultimate fate of these exotic animals, found abandoned, will be.”

“This case has also revealed how the Government lacks a long-term vision concerning animals and their welfare in our country.”

“The laws in such cases are clear: every animal of these species in Malta must be licensed. If not, the Veterinary Services Directorate has the authority to confiscate the animal on-site, remove it from the owner, and arrange temporary accommodation until a suitable long-term home is found to ensure the animal can live in an appropriate environment.”

“However, in Malta, the Government has not created any facilities capable of providing shelter to these types of animals, which are often found in unsuitable conditions, as was the case here.”

The four lions and panther that were recently discovered in unsuitable conditions at a Naxxar property are being kept on site until a permanent solution can be found for them.

Chetcuti warned that this may not be an isolated case and similar situations likely exist in our country.

“Therefore, we urge the Government and the relevant authorities to take appropriate legal action and prepare to ensure that Malta can properly accommodate animals that fall victim to such situations,” she said.

Does Malta need a shelter capable of accommodating large cats?