Twenty-three animal organisations and individuals in Malta and Gozo have sent an open letter to Agriculture and Animal Rights Minister Anton Refalo calling for a round-table conference regarding the ownership and housing of exotic animals in Malta.
The letter is shown in full below:
Dear Hon Dr. Anton Refalo M.P.,
“Following the recent case of four lions and a panther being kept illegally in the limits of Naxxar, it is clear that the situation regarding exotic animals in Malta is untenable.
The intention of this letter is not to assign blame for actions or inactions by this or previous administrations. Rather, the undersigned organisations and individuals propose a collaborative approach to address this pressing issue. We suggest the immediate organisation of a round table conference, co-hosted by the government and the below, to discuss the problem in all its multi-faceted aspects.
This conference would provide a platform to develop concrete recommendations and proposals, aimed at both immediate and long-term solutions.
As you are aware, the problem of exotic animals in Malta is wide-ranging. We hope that the case involving these five big cats can serve as a catalyst for positive action.
We strongly believe that a holistic approach to this issue is urgently needed and that it will require political courage and maturity to address the bigger picture and implement meaningful changes.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Yours sincerely,
Angel4Paws
Animal Liberation Malta
Association for Abandoned Animals
Buddy’s Lost & Found Page- Maxine- Animal Activist
Cats without Voice Malta
Christa Cilia
@debbie’s little darlings
Fabio Spiteri
Fostering & Homing Paws – Fiona Broome Camilleri
Francesca Falzon
Gozo SPCA
HUH- Help Us Help
Innocent Paws – Maria D’Amato
Jackie Cat Café
Kitty Guardians For Strays – V.O 2315
Our Rescues Malta Foundation
@paws for cause
Real Animal Rights Foundation – RAR Malta Vo1976
RMJ’s Horse Rescue
Second Chance Horse Rescue
The Island Sanctuary Malta
@Thomasina Cat Sanctuary
Vuci ghall-Annimali.
Photo by Vuci ghall-Annimali: Premises “illegally housing the 4 lions and a panther” – Naxxar