Petition for the Full Enforcement of Malta’s Dangerous Animals and Zoos Regulations

We, the undersigned, call for immediate and decisive action by the relevant authorities to fully enforce the subsidiary laws surrounding dangerous animals and zoos in Malta. This petition is launched by Vuċi għall-Annimali and Animal Liberation Malta, following the recent troubling case of the lions in Naxxar, which were regularised despite clear breaches of the law. This situation highlights a serious gap in the enforcement of these regulations, and it is time for action.

We demand the following actions to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and the public:

1. Confiscation of the Naxxar Lions and Leopard
   We demand the immediate confiscation of the four lions and the leopard that were found to be illegally caged in Naxxar and are now housed in Rabat. These animals should be sent to a reputable international sanctuary where they can receive the care, space, and proper environment they deserve, far away from captivity for entertainment or exploitation purposes.

2. Full Enforcement of Both Zoos and Dangerous Animals Regulations
   The relevant authorities must start enforcing the regulations to their full extent, without exception. This includes taking action against any illegal zoos or establishments operating without proper licenses or in breach of animal welfare laws.

3. Accountability and Legal Action
   Any illegal zoo or facility found to be operating in breach of the law must be taken to court, not merely subjected to administrative fines. We call for legal accountability for those who exploit animals in such unlawful establishments.

4. No Petting in Zoos
   No petting of animals in zoos must be strictly enforced. Animal welfare must come first, and the practice of allowing visitors to pet animals in captivity compromises their well-being.

5. Proper Criteria for Cage Sizes
   We demand that proper and legally binding criteria for the sizes of animal cages be established, in line with the law and in consultation with animal rights activists and experts. There is no need to rely on external regulations, such as those from Switzerland, but we should create more appropriate and local context-specific guidelines which are better than the current minimum standards.

6. Confiscation of Animals in Non-Compliant Cages
   If an animal is found to be housed in a cage that does not meet the required specifications, that animal must be immediately confiscated, and the ownership should be transferred to the government. This would ensure the proper rehabilitation and welfare of the animal.

7. Enforcement of Neutering Regulations for Dangerous Animals
   We demand that the requirement for neutering of all dangerous animals be enforced without exception, preventing further breeding of potentially harmful or endangered species in captivity.

8. DNA Registry for Dangerous Animals and Zoo Animals
   We advocate for the creation of a national DNA registry for all dangerous animals and all animals kept in zoos. This would help monitor and track animals, ensuring that they are not illegally traded or bred, and that their welfare is properly managed.

9. Ban on Breeding in Zoos
   We call for the immediate enforcement of a ban on the breeding of animals in zoos unless it is done as part of a recognised, scientifically backed conservation effort. This will prevent the exploitation of animals for entertainment purposes and limit the unnecessary overpopulation of species that are not endangered.

10. Follow-up on Amnesty Animals
    Dangerous animals that the state knew to be in Malta and which did not participate in the recent amnesty should be immediately followed up, confiscated, and taken into government care. This is crucial to ensuring that no animal is allowed to remain illegally in private hands, unaccounted for and unregulated.

11. Confiscation of Unregistered Animals
    From now on, any animal found not to be registered in accordance with the law must be immediately confiscated. Furthermore, the owner should be taken to court for failing to comply with the legal requirements for the care and ownership of dangerous animals.

12. Compliance with All Other Permits
    We require that any animal being regularised by the Veterinary Regulations Directorate (VRD) must also be in compliance with all other permits, including those from the Environment Resources Authority (ERA) and the Planning Authority (PA). This will ensure that animal welfare, environmental impact, and zoning regulations are considered in the regulation of animals and their locations.

13. Transition to a Positive List of Animals
    We urge the government to transition to a "positive list" of animals, outlining which species are permitted to be kept as pets or in zoos. This would prevent the unchecked importation of animals that could potentially disrupt local ecosystems or put human safety at risk. With this transition, we aim to reduce the number of exotic animals being kept as pets and promote responsible animal ownership.

These measures are necessary to protect both animals and the public from the harmful consequences of unregulated captivity. The time for action is now.

Proposed by:

• Vuċi għall-Annimali

• Animal Liberation Malta