Mark Zerafa, ADPD – The Green Party spokesperson and International Secretary said today that the party believes that the procurement of exotic animals and their subsequent confinement in an enclosure contravenes the essential principles of animal welfare. “Wild animals that evolved to thrive in a forest or the savannah often display distinct signs of stress and unnatural behaviour in captivity. The practice of acquiring exotic animals needs to be preferably prohibited. At the very least it should be discouraged through onerous regulations. It is clear that currently owners are not vetted properly to ensure that they have the required skills, knowledge and facilities to adequately care for the animals in their possession.” 

Mark Zerafa said that the Government’s recent amnesty which led to the regularization of 96 previously unregistered wild animals, including wild cats and primates shed light on a worrying reality. “It is of concern that such a large number of exotic animals may have been imported or smuggled into Malta without the proper documentation. We support Veggie Malta’s position that registration, whilst an essential step, is not sufficient. The origin of these animals needs to be investigated, and proper documentation demanded. These animal species are severely endangered and it needs to be ascertained that animals were not poached from their natural habitat.”

“Owners failing to produce the required documentation should have their animals confiscated and transferred to a facility where their needs may be adequately met. Malta has been a signatory of the CITES convention since April 1989. It is of deep concern that Malta has been revealed to be a hub for the illegal trade in endangered primates.  We need to honour our international commitments and reinforce our vigilance against the illegal trade in wild animals.”