The 4 lions and the panther are still locked up in inhuman conditions in Malta after 3 months (and the authorities do nothing to free them)

The story of four lions and of the panther discovered in inhuman conditions in a property a Naxxara Maltacaused great indignation in public opinion and between animalist associations. The case, exploded on the days of New Year’swas brought to attention thanks to the organization Vuċi Għall-Annimaliwho launched a cry of alarm on the unheard of suffering of these animals illegally detained.

According to the activists, the animals lived in dark cages, without food or careabandoned to themselves for days. The conditions have been defined as “terrible” and absolutely incompatible with the life of such majestic creatures. To aggravate everything there is the fact that Daryl Grima, an activist known for his commitment in the protection of animals, had denounced that in all probability However, these great felines would remain in the property.

Grima was sadly right: Representatives of the veterinary regulation department (VRD), era, civil protection and police intervened on the spot, but at the moment The animals have not been seized. The VRD confirmed that it had conducted investigations, but also admitted to.

The silence of the institutions

Three months have passed since then and, unfortunately, nothing has changed. In the meantime, mobilizations are being organized to ask for immediate intervention. Local and international activists are looking for i permits for a peaceful protest on the island. The goal is only one: obtain the liberation and transfer of felines to adequate shelterscategorically excluding zoo or circuses.

The question can only bring the treatment of exotic animals to Malta to the center. According to official data of 2020, in the archipelago Hundreds of wild animals in captivity liveoften in questionable conditions. This, animalists denounce, shows how much animals are at the last step of priority.

On the occasion of the day of freedom that was celebrated on the island, activists asked freedom also for the lions and the Naxxar panther. It is time for the Maltese authorities to listen and act and only collective pressure can make a difference. For this reason, the organizations invited everyone to write to veterinary.reguulation@mafa.gov.mt to ensure that these poor animals have a better future.