On the 28th of November 2014, works Department employees, together with Armed Forces of Malta and police personnel, had descended upon the abusive Montekristo estate, supposedly to demolish illegally-built structures. This enforcement action turned out to be a sham – not only are the majority of the Montekristo abusive structures still standing but the illegal zoo is still operating as a profit-making commercial venture. The fact that innumerable political gatherings, state-sponsored events and even a national commercial fair are held at Charles ‘Ic-Caqnu’ Polidano’s Montekristo Estate – described by MEPA as the country’s “largest illegal development” – is a sad reflection on our politicians’ lack of ethics.
Today, exactly one year to the day from the sham enforcement, eNGOs Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth and Ramblers are extremely dismayed that a young child was attacked and seriously injured by a tiger being walked by the Montekristo zoo restaurant.
FAA, FoE and Ramblers highlight the fact this this same tolerance if not blessing of illegal and unsafe practices have contributed to an unnecessary accident and the precipitation of anguish on this family. The NGOs hope the child makes a speedy recovery and that the family recuperates from this unwarranted trauma.
It is utterly deplorable that such illegalities are allowed to flourish, year in year out. What message does it send to the public? Are indeed ‘ some animals more equal than others?’, to keep to the Orwellian Animal Farm analogy? FAA, FoE and Ramblers reiterate their calls that the illegal Montekristo zoo infringes international standards of animal care and should be immediately shut down.
FAA, FoE and Ramblers reiterate their calls that the illegal Montekristo zoo infringes international standards of animal care and should be immediately shut down. it is utterly deplorable that such illegalities are allowed to continue, year in year out. What message does it send to the public? Are indeed ‘ some animals more equal than others?’, to keep the Orwellian Animal Farm analogy?
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