Illegal pigs sent to the abattoir

Seventy pigs are being slaughtered after they were found to have been reared illegally on a farm in Qormi.

Government vet Mireille Vella said that as soon as the pigs were located, after a tip off, the area was sealed off and the animals were tested for diseases. On being found clean they were taken to the slaughterhouse in four batches.

The animals were being slaughtered on the "emergency line" in order to ensure they do not mix with the other animals once the carcasses have to be destroyed. A first batch was slaughtered yesterday, with the second following today.

Dr Vella said the pigs are destroyed to ensure food safety because, having been reared illegally, there was no way of knowing what they were fed and it was very likely they were swill fed, which is illegal.

All farms in Malta have to be either licensed or registered. All animals in such farms are branded before they are weaned off so that they can be identified.

Inspections for illegal farms are carried out regularly to ensure food safety and animal health.

Criminal action is expected to be taken against the farm owner.