Bengal tiger in Mosta warehouse
A Bengal tiger, one of the world's endangered species, was yesterday discovered cavorting in an air-conditioned room on the roof of a warehouse in Mosta, sources said.
The three-month-old cub, a golden tabby, which is said to have cost its owner some €23,000, was being well cared for, fed chickens so it gets its daily requirement of lean protein and had a sizeable pen to roam in.
The discovery was made after a raid by members of the Animal Welfare Department, the police's Administrative Law Enforcement and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority's Environment Protection Department.
When contacted, Animal Welfare director Mario Spiteri confirmed the cub was found and that the raid had been carried out after receiving several anonymous phone calls reporting the sighting of a tiger.
The authorities decided the cub should remain with the owner until investigations established how it was brought in and whether the owner had the necessary paperwork to import it.
The population of Bengal tigers in the Indian subcontinent is estimated to be between 1,300 and 1,500 and the species is in danger of extinction due to over-hunting by poachers and illicit trade. Habitat loss is another threat.
The tigers are poached for their coats and used for components to make various traditional medicines. Many Asian cultures have an ingrained belief the tiger is a potent source of healing power. Tiger bone and other parts of the animal are thought to cure rheumatism, enhance longevity and treat impotence, among others.
A female Bengal tiger is considerably smaller than its male counterpart, weighing 140 kilograms and is eight feet long, including its tail. A fully-grown adult can consume about 30 kilograms of meat at a time but can survive up to three weeks without food.
Martin Seychell, Mepa's environment director, said that, while he could not enter into the merits of this particular case, tigers were protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).
First, this species could not be captured in the wild and for it to be imported into the island there had to be movement permits issued from the country of origin and the importing country.
"There are strict trade permits and its importation would require consent by the authorities of both sides. The animal would need to have an entire history to ensure it has been born and bred in captivity. Cites has the strictest regulations," Mr Seychell said.
Asked whether the authorities were witnessing a trend of exotic animals being imported into Malta, Mr Seychell said he had mostly come across snakes and monkeys but it was unusual to find carnivores, which were difficult to handle and keep. He said carnivores usually had a territory the size of Malta to roam in the wild.
Mr Seychell has also come across species that were not endemic to the island, such as bull frogs and spiders, which could cause problems if they were let loose and bred.
"Some people are taking crazy risks and bringing in venomous animals, posing a huge risk to themselves and those around them. In such cases the authorities won't have the antidote if anybody is poisoned," he said, warning against such practices.
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Frances Abela
Sep 15th 2009, 18:38
Sewwa din, mela to bring in a pet dog from England which is rabies free you have to do the vaccine and blood test at 3 months and wait 30 days and have the dog stay in quarantine for 21 days, allura how did this 3 month old tiger get into Malta, Did it do quarantine? was it vaccinated and blood tested for rabies? who issued the permits? who is going to be responsible for this? i don't blame the owner - jekk kellu cans hadu. But who is behind this bringing in to Malta of the endangered species tiger and from how did it come in, by plane or by catamaran from Sicily? most important - why did the tiger stay with the owner? why wasen't it confiscated? veru Malta pajjiz tal mickey mouse.
Henry Vassallo
Sep 6th 2009, 15:28
@ Chris. Formosa. Lili qed tghid biex nerga naqra xi ktiebt int, ahjar terga tara xi ktiebt int stess. Min kiteb
@ Chris. Formosa. Ahjar terga taqra l artiklu li ktiebt int stess minflok tghid lili imma ha niehu pacenzja u nerga infakkrek. Min kiteb, AX BIEX IZOMM TIGRA TRID HAFNA FLUS AX MUX HA TIXBA BI XKORA EUKANUBA? u jien nerga nidlek illi kemm trid flus u kemm tiekol mix bicca tieghek. Xandu xjaqsam il kas tal klieb,mela din kienet tigri barra bhal kelb u amlet al xi hadd? Dwar kif dahlet Malta lanqas mi bicca tieghek, dik hija bicca ta l awtoritajiet,il quddiem jatuk risposta huma ax lili xorta mux ha temmini. Jien insellimlek ax mux behsiebni nirrispondik izied ax alxejn.Taf xkien irrisponda Napuljun meta saqsewh liema kienet l akbar battalja li kellu matul il karriera tieghu ux? Jekk ma tafx hu pacenzja u saqsi. Sahha
Christopher Formosa
Sep 6th 2009, 13:53
@Henry Vassallo Ha nejdlek habib ,jekk qed tahseb li qed nghir alih sejjer zball,jistax igib zoo shih alija ,ma nafx minfejn gibta, qrajtu l artiklu ta dak ir ragel tal mellieha? alfej m ghamlulux ekk il siehbek? it tieni jien ma semmejtx x haj tija tiekol jew hekk, it tielet bl argumenti kollha li semmejt ma rrispondejtnix wahda milli edtlek, u ta l ahhar l ewwel aqra xi ktibt jien sew imbad tkellem u ejdli min lil siehbek tah il permess biex igib tigra protetta b ligi internazzjonali gewwa malta.
Henry Vassallo
Sep 5th 2009, 18:59
@ Chris, Formosa. Mela l ewwel bdejt tinkwieta kif dahlet it tigra issa qed tinkwieta kif sejjer izomma ax tiekol hafna u trid hafna flus, ara din xini bicca tieghek. Tidlix li qed tghir ghalih ax issa ek qed nahseb. Jien taf xjinkwetani xhin inqum filghodu, jek insib xi criminal li suppost qied il habs u al xi raguni qied barra u gie joqod hdejja. Dak jinkwetani u mela tigra. U al informazzjoni tieghek biex dejjem tkun taf fuqiex qed pacpac, dan ir ragel andu progetti ohra fejn izomm din it tigra meta tikber izied. Girien u bjut memx hdejh.
Christopher Formosa
Sep 5th 2009, 10:05
@ henry vassallo
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090830/local/who-put-the-dogs-down
Christopher Formosa
Sep 5th 2009, 07:15
@henry vassallo........Vera ,sewwa qed tghid,mela alfej andi ninkwieta? U xaffarijiet irridu nkunu nafu qabel man npaccpcu? Mela em xi tkun taf jew? Trainer? u hallina siehbi, taf fuqiex qed nitkellmu jew? Taf li qed nitkellmu fuq tigra jew? X trainer hu? Ha jghallima kif tghamel sit jew stay nahseb...........u jumejn ohra johroga bic cinga !!!
Ara dan l artiklu siehbi imbad tkellem,malta grat din,mhux l africa. Al daw l affarijiet jien ninkwieta, mhux ax siehbek andu tigra, hallija li ma nafx xi jrid jghid bija izzomm tigra id dar imma mid dehra awn minu ipprivillegiat iktar min haddiehor aw malta...............bil flus tghamel triq fil bahar habib u biex izzomm tigra trid hafna flus nahseb hux,dik mhux ha tixba b xi xkora eukanuba. Int titkellem ekk ax siehbek, mur gibu ma kienx siehbek,u tqum filghodu u issir taf li il gar tieghek andu tigra id dar......................
maria micallef
Sep 4th 2009, 20:33
Is the tiger in the photo the one which was found in Mosta...cause I think I have fallen in love with it....seriously speaking though...if it was bred in captivity and it is being provided with a decent life here in Malta I see no reason why the owner is not allowed to keep it
HENRY vasallo
Sep 4th 2009, 13:58
@Suzanni Psaila. You know what i find ridiculous? I find ridiculous people who always are ready to judge other people before checking out the facts. For your information the cub is not in the warehouse but in a compound built on top and cannot be seen by neighbours, so it is not a show off as another enlightened reader sugested. You talk about habitat what habitat are you talking about, the habitat that we wise humanbeings rulers of the world have destroyed and contaminated and reduced many species to extinction. We do not know how to take care of our own habitat imagine the animals habitat. I dont think i ever saw your name on any comments about wether the husky dogs should be allowed in our country or not probably you agree that Malta is the ideal climate for that kind of breed since you never found this ridiculous.
Henry Vassallohen
Sep 4th 2009, 13:22
@Chris. Formosa. Inti iktar tidher inkwetat kif dahlet din it tigra milli kif qeda tghix. Imbad semmejt l Animal Planet. Ha nidlek mela biex tkun taf, dan ir ragel andu trainer barrani biex jurih xandu jamel u kif jittrata din it tigra ax mux l animal planet biss jesisti. Alekk qabel ma tpaccpcu kunu afu l affarijiet kif inhuma.
J.Camilleri
Sep 4th 2009, 11:17
@ Joseph Tonna
Thanks for your comment and glad you have seen my point of view in a positive way. I'm sure "some" of these moaners went to circus one day or another and surely enjoyed their outing u ferhu u capcpu meta raw xi xadina jew tigra, basta xi haga tal-barranin. Ghall dan is-sinjur ma' felhux u ugghathom zaqqhom. X"jidhol u johrog x'jaghmel bi flusu jekk inhu kuntent irabbi tigra u t-tigra tidher kuntenta mieghu. Allura min ghandu xi kukkudrill jew cobra u xi sriep ohra valenuzi li jistghu ibejtu u jinfirxu ma' kullimkien dak orrajt allura? Jistgha jkollok pitbull feroci u mhux ta' quddiem is-socjeta u xorta wahda tarhom ma' sidhom fuq ic-cinga jduru fit-toroq, allura dak mhux periklu wkoll u hemm iktar cans illi jekk il-kelb ifettillu jattakka ma' twaqqfux. Nghid ghalija dan is-suggett huwa kollu ghira. Kellu bzonn kulhadd kuntent u paxxut taht l-aircondition b'zaqqu mimlijja bhall din it-tigra. Ahjar jaraw x'hawn ma' s-saqajn fit-toroq milli min hu ndukkrat u ma' jaghti fastidju l-hadd. J'alla jekk hemm xi penali ikun kapaci jhallasha u jzommha xorta din it-tigra ghax issa dik imrobbijja fit-trankwillitha u bla bzonn ta' tahbit ta' kacca biex tiekol.
P. Xuereb
Sep 4th 2009, 10:53
@Joseph Tonna
Facli hafna tghid illi qed niktbu hawn ghax qed nghiru ghal sid it-tigra -- imma ghandek zball kbir. Mela jekk xi hadd jaqbad jibni blokk flats bla permess u jien nghid li m'ghandux ikun, ghax qed nghir ukoll? Ma jistax ikun ghax forsi ma naqbilx ma li jkun ghamel, u nemmen li bla kontrolli tispicca titlef is-socjeta -- jigifieri jiena, inti, u kulhadd?
Joseph Tonna
Sep 3rd 2009, 22:19
@ J.Camilleri
Naqbel miejek mate.... anzi igibilha partner u min jaf forsi bis sahha ta dan is sinjur ma tibqax ENDANGERED ..... :)
Joseph Tonna
Sep 3rd 2009, 22:16
@ Suzanne Psaila
The tiger needs a forest!! suzanne bl istess argument tijek we need a bigger malta ....this is not our natural habitat for us to live in ....as human beings ....
Joseph Tonna
Sep 3rd 2009, 22:12
Nahseb harget wisq ghira ghal sid din it-tigra ....jiena ma narax li ghandu jehel xi haga ghalkemm forsi gabha illegalment ghax ma kenitx mahqura...
Suzanne Psaila
Sep 3rd 2009, 19:34
Mr J.Camilleri the tiger needs a forest!! not a spacious place to stretch and a pond to swim!!! Come on people!!!! the tiger needs to be in its natural habitat...ask whoever competent on this!!
Suzanne Psaila
Sep 3rd 2009, 19:19
Mr. Serracino Inglott ....if people keep buying these animals....trade will continue!!!! ..we are admitting to be destroying this species by trade...illegal hunting...and also by the loss of natural habitat. What is it that is hard to underestnad? the loss of natural habitat is a threat to these animals!!!! they are in danger of becoming extinct! PLUS the animal suffers! Take a simple example of how much an animal suffers out of its natural habitat...think about this...a Maltese goes to live in the Arctic circle for example...what do you think is the first thing he would complain about?? of course the temperature and the weather!!! so go figure such an exotic animal!! Adoping exotic animals on a tiny Mediterranean island closed in a warehouse.... is as bad as the people who captured it in the first place. Unfortunately the result of these actions brings another loss of another beautiful animal. Adopting it promotes illegal trade....see? one bad action is not made just by another here .... freeing the animal to its natural habitat is! It would have been much better had this man reported the poachers to the animal rights!
Christopher Formosa
Sep 3rd 2009, 19:12
@ Henry Vassallo, il punt li amilt bla sens siehbi, ovvja li ha tkun qeda ahjar min certu nies, ma kellekx alfej tghid ekk. Jekk thares lej prezza ukoll tinduna. L argument huwa kif siehbek gab il permess biex idahhal malta annimal protett b ligi dinija ax qijed jigi estint ftit ftit,. Upunt iehor huwa li qed nitkellmu fuq annimal perikoluzissimu,mhux fuq xi nghaga. Fej tghallem jiehu hsiebom it tigri siehbek? U fej tghallem vera x ghandha bzonn it tigra,?? Minn fuq l animal planet jew? B din il bicca xoghol l awtoritajiet urew kemm huma nkompetenti,jew inkella ??? Ma nistax nemmen li dal bniedem applika biex igib tigra go dar privat u nghata permess,jekk inghata permess min tahulu mhuwiex normali !!
J.Camilleri
Sep 3rd 2009, 18:58
The owner should make a little business out of all this. He can be the founder of a decent animal sanctuary making it an ideal place to be visited by animal lovers to see a tiger in such a comfortable spacious environment. What about a spacious place where this tiger can enjoy stretching and walk around having a large pond to swim too. Entry money helps the animal welfare so that eventually there will be a proper animal hospital and sanctuary. We don't have to be surprised that there's a tiger on the island, there's worse then that ! We should be delighted that there is somebody that can afford to take care of such a big cat. I'm happy for this guy. Can I see the tiger now please :)
CARMEL SERRACINO-INGLOTT
Sep 3rd 2009, 18:39
If this cub was not 'bought' by the present companion where will it be now? Death most probable, its fur used as a coat, its bones as medicine for nothing. Here the companion MUST show that he LOVES the animal ( besides) not just takes good care of it. If it was brought from the wild then punishment is requested; if not then there is no cruelty but there is the law. Mind you this is not the first big cat that lived in Malta. I have seen one near the door of a garage, ever so sweet and cudly. There were Maltese people who kept Lions in Malta. The department did the right thing. 1ST the situation was observed; 2nd an investigation is under way 3rd the tiger was left with its companion. Maybe the government might after all provide space for this tiger under the care and expence of the companion but supervised ( against payment) by real people who love animals-- i.e. a vet and a layman.
Suzanne Psaila
Sep 3rd 2009, 18:03
Henry Vassallo, why are you comparing this cub's life to a cub that's being traded?what about liberty in their own habitat? That's where this tiger should be! FREE IN ITS HABITAT! WHY are you defending someone that wants to deprive a living being from its own habitat??? If tigers were meant to be on this island they would have been here - but this is NOT a domestic animal and definitely Malta is NOT the place for it to live in. It's surely SHAMEFUL of this man to have brought such an exotic animal to this rock, when this animal needs space..and its own habitat for survival!! have you not read the article?This species is endangered!!! It's being over-hunted....traded...and deprived of its natural habitat!! If you want to see a tiger go for a safari holiday!!The world doesn't need to come right outside our doors!! Malta is NOT a place for animals that don't belong here by nature!!....madoffi..just read the article...x'kull wahda...a tiger in a warehouse...u miskin the owner has prepared a bigger place for the tiger as an adult?.sure..has he booked a vast forest on this little rock!! sorry to be so cynical but your excuses were so ridiculous!!
P. Xuereb
Sep 3rd 2009, 17:17
@Henry Vassallo You are right -- I do not know the person involved, and I have no reason to believe that he does not have the best of intentions for the animals concerned -- but you have surely heard the saying: "The road to hell is paved with good intentions". Seeking to obtain an animal like this, especially at such a high price, creates a market -- and puts the very same poachers you mentioned into business. And due to the illegality of such practices, for every animal safely delivered, who knows how many die...
Henry Vassallo
Sep 3rd 2009, 16:40
I happen to know this guy and had the pleasure to visit the place where he keeps this cub and other beautiful animals and i can assure all those who passed negative comments, that the man knows what he is doing and the animals are kept in the best enviroment that a captive animal could live in. I can gurantee that there are human beings who would envy the conditions these animals live in. If somebody is worried what might happen when the cub grows up, rest assured that the guy has already planned a bigger and different area. So before judging if the guy is crazy or not please know the facts first. It is better where it is than being killed by a poacher and sold as a bedside rug.
E. Psaila
Sep 3rd 2009, 16:01
@E.Vella
From your comment it's easy to understand that you are still a student, you don't know what life is yet...comfortable at the Uni...receiving the stipend...maybe doing a part-time job...Well, no good grades and graduations do not necessarily mean becoming rich. Good grades and graduation do not necessarily mean finding a job...just as the maltese saying goes...bix-xoghol hotba taghmel...
Ruby Jenner
Sep 3rd 2009, 15:41
I have just watched the youtube video's. Couldn't stop crying. Treat animals with dignity and respect..P.Xeureb. I am sure you are right about the ego. If he has such a large amount of money he should have made a donation to an animal sanctuary/charity.
Muscat.Pat
Sep 3rd 2009, 14:51
Illegal tigers in Malta? If not who gave him the permit? We don't know his name is it because he is a minor and therefore protect to protect his name?????????????
Daniel Russell
Sep 3rd 2009, 14:42
@M Caruana
If you think that's good, check out The Lion Man about a lion and tiger sanctuary in New Zealand, the parks former handler Craig Busch has an amazing rapport with these amazing animals. Trust me... you shall not be disappointed!
M.Caruana
Sep 3rd 2009, 14:30
To Mr Charles Grech. I've been holding back since this morning to thank you! I've watched Christian the lion over and over again and each time I couldn't stop crying. What a joy to see! Thank you for such information. Even my two children were amazed at such a sight.
Gabriele Weber
Sep 3rd 2009, 14:15
Did anybody report this to Greenpeace or the WWF ? And - by the way - as far as I know it's forbidden by EU regulations to import endangered species into the EU as long it's not for a zoo.
P. Xuereb
Sep 3rd 2009, 14:04
@Ruby
Quite right to ask the question -- but of course we know that the owner did not acquire the animal to give it a good life, don't we? Surely it's about ego and having an exotic plaything...
Ruby Jenner
Sep 3rd 2009, 13:32
This is madness. How can this person justify keeping such a beautiful but dangerous wild animal in a warehouse. What sort of life will it have ? Tiger's are an endangered species . We human's have no right to buy these sort of animal's to have as pet's, it is not fair on the animal or on the people who are living close by living in fear that one could escape.
Kenneth Cassar
Sep 3rd 2009, 12:40
@ A Anastasi:
Careful what you wish for. I am all against wild animals in captivity, but I would never wish for the tiger to attack its captor. And what do you think would happen if she does? She would most probably be killed.
A Anastasi
Sep 3rd 2009, 11:30
This is outrageous!!!
Poor animal... it's endangered for god's sake how selfish can someone be!!!!
I expect it will turn on its owner one day.. i look forward to hearing that piece of news!
A.Azzopardi
Sep 3rd 2009, 11:20
@D.Farrugia
In actual zoos specialists are employed to take care of the animals and animals such as the Bengal tiger are usually given a larger than normal exhibit (although still small for them when compared to their territory in the wild). Do you actually think that the owner of this tiger can provide the care needed to raise such an animal? These animals are not meant to be cared for by humans period, be it zoos, a circus, or a man who owns a warehouse in Mosta!
Jenny Stevens
Sep 3rd 2009, 10:14
The safety issue here should be one of the main concerns, god help everyone if once its fully grown it manages to escape.
How on earth the the owner manage to get the Tiger into Malta without the authorities knowing about or was it a case as seems to be the norm Money Talks
P Abela
Sep 3rd 2009, 10:08
Emm can I be that audacious to enquire how on earth can one get a live Bengali tiger/cub through customs? I assume that the owner wasn't that brash as to walk through normal customs channels. No wonder this island is leaking like a sieve from other substances (illegal or otherwise).
E. Vella
Sep 3rd 2009, 09:55
@E. Psaila the poor people will remain poor because they cant be bothered to study and obtain a higher level of education. These rich people would have worked to achieve that level or else they were brought up in a wealthy environment, as i am still a student i will not stand for this as i know many people who decided not to study because it is "not good for them" or the famous "i dont like to study" or "i dont know how to study" so if they think like that they will find another way to get rich with their family business or doing something else, or they will work in a restaurant earning minimum wage until they notice that they should achieve higher grades to have a much more comfortable life
E. Psaila
Sep 3rd 2009, 07:54
...I say...if there are so many rich people in Malta, who can afford yachts, villas, cars and now even tigers as pets...in the next budget tax the rich more and we will solve some deficit problems...I mean there is who has a tiger living in an airconditioned room while others barely afford to put on a fan...something is not right in this world...il-flus jaghmlu l-flus u l-qamel jaghmel il-qamel...
Reno Busuttil
Sep 3rd 2009, 02:03
Jien kieku naghmel parti mill l-aministrazzjoni nhallih irrabbiha zgur li hija mizmuma tajjeb u mitmuha ikel mill l-aqwa kwalita u jidher li jiehu hsieba tajjeb hafna ghax sa arja ikondizjunata ghamlila , imma nkellmu bis-serjeta li it-tigra tkun fis-sigurta li ma tistax tahrab u taghmel xi massakru u naghmilha ezebita ghal-pubbliku Malti u Ghawdxi sabiex forsi nibdew naraw xi haga hekk..wara kollox ahna fi zmien konna naghmlu parti mill l-afrika ukoll skond studjuzi u kif gejna maghlmin meta konna l-iskola.
Kelna erba xadini sparixxew min Sant Anton u it-tfal taghna l-anqas ghandom idea ta' annimali slavagg.
Alfred Baldacchino
Sep 3rd 2009, 00:43
Domesticated tigers kept in a sanctuary in Thailand are fed cooked meat mainly in order to put them off the taste of blood.
Joseph Tonna
Sep 2nd 2009, 22:24
@Sonya Pecorella
sonya bl istess argument li qeda tamel inti ahna il ' MALTIN ' mahluqin biex nghixu go dil bicca gzira b din il populazzjoni kollha etc etc ! ?
FEJN QEDIN NGHIXU AHNA HUWA ' IN NATURAL HABITAT ' ? IVA JEW LE ? ax jiena nahseb li LE. b dawn il karozzi kollha u bini li hawn .... etc ?
bl istess argument TIEGHEK allura ahna nistaw nergaw immorru fil gungla u nghixu fl-gherien etc etc etc !!!!
Christopher Formosa
Sep 2nd 2009, 17:29
Dan mhux argument ta fejn andek izzommha jew le, qed nitkellmu fuq TIGRA !!!! Jista jkollok kemmuna fej izzommha, il punt li amilt jien hu il permess,, kif jien bniedem komuni ma nistax ngib KELB !!!........... u haddiehor jista jgib TIGRA???????? u ejja. Meta applikajt al kelb qaluli li ma nistax,punto e basta. Ma qadux jsaqsuni andiex fej nghamlu jew le,. Nahseb li hemm naqa differenza min tigra ghal kelb ta,hu x inhu il kelb, kelb maximum 80 kilos ( u 80 kgs kbir ta vera ta !! ) jikber,bengali tiger, in excess of 200 kgs. Ghal min ma jafx xinhi bengali tiger............... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengal_tiger
Joseph Tonna
Sep 2nd 2009, 16:26
Jekk ghandu fejn irabbija kif suppost ma jimpurtax anke forsi ikattar minnha ghala le x'hemm hazin ...
Kieku jibda jistieden lil pubbliku biex jarahha nahseb jigbor flusa lura .... ;)
Christopher Formosa
Sep 2nd 2009, 16:23
Ara vera tad dahk dawn la ffarijiet, mela il Mellieha il gimgha l ohra,qabdu dahlu hadulu l klieb u qatlhomlu,ghax kienu perikoluzi............ apparentament tigra mhiex perikoluza, it tieni jien applikajt biex ingib argentinian mastiff mill italja, qaluli dak dangerous dog allura ma tistax,mela tigra xinhi??????????
Halluna naqa nghixu,qas jista jkun ma xahhamx lil xi hadd sid din it tigra jekk vera andu l permessi kollha. Jmisshom l awtoritajiet jaraw kif gie da il permess, ax tghidu x tghidu,qatt ma tista izomm tigra id dar, specjalment fuq dil bicca gebla li nghixu fuqha.
Joseph Tonna
Sep 2nd 2009, 16:18
Min ghandu il-flus u kapaci izomm annimali ta dan it-tip minajr ma jahqarom ovvja u sahansitra ghandu il-hila li ikabbar ir-razza taghhom ghandu jinata l-appogg tal-awtoritajiet u ikun kollox skond il-ligi ma jimpurtax anzi haga sabiha , ghax ikun qed ikabbar ir-razza li bhalma nafu qeda tinqered.
Nies bhal dawn ghandom jinataw l-appogg halli ikattru ir-razza taghhom basta skond ir-regolamenti u jekk ma hemmx infasslu ghalihom ghal le.
Kullhadd iffissat fuq xi haga min fil-futbol minn fekk u minn fekk !
J.Borg
Sep 2nd 2009, 15:31
as long as the tiger is well kept i find nothing wrong in importing such animals.. i mean since it was brought in as a cub it will adapt to it's surroundings just like any other animal.. on the other hand .. if the owner one fine day decides that he should give away this bengal or even.. let it loose and hoping for an adoption that would be a problem.. especially having a good walk around buskett and a bengal pops out for a pat on the back! that would definately worth posting on youtube!
Jo Caruana
Sep 2nd 2009, 14:04
That youtube video always gets me... makes me want my own lion....
m tanti
Sep 2nd 2009, 12:16
there are 1500 bengali tiger left in the wild, oooooopssss sorry. 1499 cause there s one mosta hahahahahahahahah only in malta
marcella busuttil
Sep 2nd 2009, 11:55
pet gdid f'malta!!! it is a dangerous animal and i think that this tiger must be strictly taken away from its owner. this animal can attack the owner himself or even other people around and neighbours!! this case is like breaking the law....because it is prohibited to have these kind of animals at home....so the money he wasted to buy it...are WASTED and not to be given!
A. Fenech
Sep 2nd 2009, 11:05
"Ma, il-gimgha d diehla sejrin il mediterraneo ma ta l iskola"
Proset ibni. Kemm andek bzonn flus?"
"10 euros"
"Ok. Stennini ha ngiblek il flus. Mur u hu pjacir."
Oqod hallas bix tara d dolphins. Minflok kulhadd jeqred u jejd li dan genn, ax ma tarawx takom lewwel. Issa imbilli andu tigra, waqet id dinja. Xeba ejra nejdilha jin din. Porset poplu malti. Keep it up.:S
Sonya Pecorella
Sep 2nd 2009, 10:08
Please take this tiger back to its original habitat...that is where it belongs....how dare anyone think that poaching this beautiful animal from its beautiful jungles in india and keeping it in horrible surroundings is good for the tiger? ...i respect this animal and my heart goes out to it....it is because ignorant people from all over the world are buying these animals that they are being poached so cruelly and illegaly....
Carmel Debono
Sep 2nd 2009, 08:59
May I through this column bring to the attention of the authorities concerned to investigate the many exotic species and plants located at a villa in Triq L’alwett corner with Triq il virdun Kappara please? They might not find tigers but sure to find a variety of exotic birds, snakes and spiders of many forms, anticipated thanks
Karl Farrugia
Sep 2nd 2009, 08:22
...and i spent several hundred euros to buy a ticket to south africa! next time its 50c and mosta!
Colin Camilleri
Sep 2nd 2009, 07:50
I am very very concerned IFF a permit was issued! How would the authorities responsible issue a permit to keep a Bengasi tiger? This animal will NOT remanin a cub for ever. It will grow and it will grow big time.
No one can tell me that the current owners or the owners to be will have enough space in tiny Malta to keep a grown up Bengasi tiger. Besides, the expenses and challenges to keep this animal fed, healthy and happy must be enourmours. And if it escapes and/or the owners cannot retain it anymore?
If a permit was issued, then those who gave the permit must be either crazy or have no rispect for the maltese citizens and the animal too. Such animals cannot live on tiny Malta. They were not made for it. As if a country 30km by 15km has enough space to keep 1.2 million tourists, 420,000 maltese, thousands of illegal immigrants and now exotic animals!
Mind you gentlemen, THIS IS NOT FUNNY!
joseph cauchi
Sep 2nd 2009, 04:48
CAN I PLS COME AND SEE IT.I HAVE ONLY SEEN TIGERS ON TV.
p.grima
Sep 2nd 2009, 00:35
This guy spent €23,000 to buy a tiger, not to mention its daily cost, and I cannot even afford to adopt a kitten even if I wanted to.
D.Camilleri
Sep 2nd 2009, 00:31
If he can afford it whats the problem. He treats this tiger better than i am cause i dont have an aircondition in my room
what name did he give it? NINA should do !!!!!!
Charles Grech
Sep 2nd 2009, 00:29
To ALL: ENJOY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c85b00R1EM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkglYMYbyeo&feature=related
A. Attard
Sep 1st 2009, 23:17
23,000 euros on a bengal tiger????!!! to be kept as a pet?! and being kept in an air-conditioned room??! when the utility rates are high and higher????!! a case of excessive cash at one's disposal.....the mind boggles.
Antoine Vella
Sep 1st 2009, 22:57
"First Austin bought a Jaguar, now they found a Tiger in a warehouse....lol. What a jungle."
Yes, all the monkeys are laughing.
Galea. L
Sep 1st 2009, 22:44
ceri whitley
You know what hehehehe said?
Together everything is possible.
mick bunting
Sep 1st 2009, 22:35
what a brilliant security system , im sure you could have got something cheaper but it would be less effective
andreana attard
Sep 1st 2009, 22:34
@chris bugeja
"Can people mind their own business and let other people live in peace"
No! if that tiger escapes, it won't be just the owner's business but everyone else's in the vicinity. Wild animals like to roam if they get the chance, remember the escaped iguana?
The only way we Maltese tackle danger is when someone gets killed - as was the case of the young family that perished in a road well known for its danger.
One more thing: I recently overheard a vet saying that the last circus in Malta did good business - he wasn't referring to income earned through shows. He also said there are several incredibly wild animals being kept in captivity, without the (rightful) knowlege of neighbours. Scary.
Brigid Garroni
Sep 1st 2009, 21:52
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVNTdWbVBgc
Rose Bonnici
Sep 1st 2009, 21:46
Only in Malta........
Brigid Garroni
Sep 1st 2009, 21:34
Let's hope it doesn't become too much for the owner to keep and find itself abandoned on some road, as is done with so many dogs - expensive or not. That would surely be its death warrant with all the cowboys around - they'll be scared of it and kill it, no matter how tame (and endangered) it may be.
Alexander Azzopardi
Sep 1st 2009, 21:29
well a total case of madness !!
Now lets face the facts
If we send this tiger back it could find itself in a zoo sorounded by iron bars or in its natural habitat in the wild thretened to be sold for its skin bones etc etc ......
well i asume the owner brought it ilegaly but if its a matter of madness its a matter of love for theese wild exotic animals cause Know one is going to pay 23.000euros for a simple pet , in my opinion the autorites must take in consideration in which state this wild cat was found and if the owner is so in love with this wild exotic than he must buy some 30 >>50 tumoli of land where to keep it , including an airconditioned room available tru the summer season , much beter than in a cage or sold for its skin
Michael Buhagiar
Sep 1st 2009, 20:54
Maybe this tiger it was not imported, it's one of the tiger cubs that where born in Malta when the annimal circuses used to visit the island. Here I'm not saying if it is legal or not to keep a tiger that's for the authorities to see. I read an article about these type of pets and the problem is what to do with them after they are found. Release them in the wild is impossible, as like this tiger don't know how to survive in the wild, while killing them will be killing an endangered species.
Joe Galea
Sep 1st 2009, 20:44
First Austin bought a Jaguar, now they found a Tiger in a warehouse....lol. What a jungle.
Paul Barrett
Sep 1st 2009, 19:08
There are parks that are safe environments for this type of animal - Longleat Safari Park in the UK I know has lions roaming free - I am not sure if it has any tigers though. As an endangered species this animal really must be treated with utmost care and united with others of its breed in the hope of saving the species. It certainly is not a suitable animal to be kept in a house as a pet.
Steven Bonello
Sep 1st 2009, 18:22
it's becoming a jungle out there :-)
Chris Bugeja
Sep 1st 2009, 17:58
Most of the readers are assuming that the owner does not have the neccessary permits for keeping the tiger. If he had nothing to show I don't think it would have been left with the owner. Also I think most people should do some research before firing statements....a captive bred tiger would never manage to live in the wild/sanctuary. It would be so tame it won't even be able to kill a chicken. On the other hand if the owner can afford to buy, give her a suitable enclosure and feed it then there's nothing wrong with keeping an animal like that. It has also airconditioning so the hot weather would not be a problem for her. We live in a country where everyone has to complain about everything. Can people mind their own business and let other people live in peace
mary borg
Sep 1st 2009, 17:50
What's all the fuss about?? We are getting used to anything here in Malta!! flamingos, tigers zebras, snakes etc....etc....... We are living in a zoo after all!!! Crazy driving, shooting, illegal buildings.....we have it all here!! At least he is being well taken care of, not like stray dogs and cats!
John Meli
Sep 1st 2009, 17:36
I quite agree with you and the first thing that has to be done is the changing of our laws as regards to poisonous venom like snakes, and including spiters. The latter recently I found one in my back yard that came from an open field. I sprayed it and left . But managed to take a photo and was told that it was a poisonous type same colour and design of this tiger and quite large. Let us have a law that can be withheld if imported or passed through customs and the customs officers can take action. Yes in Australia they are quite good as we saw these on Living TV.
J.Camilleri
Sep 1st 2009, 17:26
Can I breed my pussycat with this Tiger ... ARA VERA FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBLI TA !
Karen Zammit Manduca
Sep 1st 2009, 17:10
I was recently at a very well-known garden centre and, since I like animals, I walked around the pet shop section. I was very surprised to see a large cage with a pair of very large, beautiful birds. They seemed to my inexperienced eyes to be crested herons. There was also the most amazing owl. I'm pretty sure these are protected birds and should not be kept here in cages.
Perhaps someone can enlighten me.
Vincent Galea
Sep 1st 2009, 16:38
Those of us with a bit of age wll remember Esso commercials " Put a tiger in your tank " Meaning of course that the gas sold by them was powerful and similar to placing a huge beast in your gas tank. I think it was circa 1960. Since then our ' tigers' have come out from oil tanks and learned to drive. I have encountered tens of ' tigers' like the one in the picture driving. I hope one day I'll meet the one in the picture and recognize her .
ceri whitley
Sep 1st 2009, 16:29
Well, having seen a couple of banned exotic animals here in Malta a few weeks ago, and having heard how they were brought into Malta from the owner I am surprised that so many contributors here are unaware of what can be achieved. Anything is possible in Malta....
E. Azzopardi
Sep 1st 2009, 15:53
What is happening to this island? Controversies with MEPA, ADT, ENEMALTA, traffic accidents galore, people shooting each other, alleged fraud etc in the VAT Dept and the customs dept., company closing down and onwer is nowhere to be seen, fuming buses passing tests, this and the other taking each other to court as if we have nothing to do, discipline non existant especially regarding traffic, 310000 cars on the road without licence and insurance and now we may also have venemous snakes in the streets probably without licence and definitely without insurance, a Bengal Tiger on a roof etc etc.
But is this possible in this tiny rock? Really and truly can somebody please protect the law abiding citizens from all this? Really and truly is there somebody capable to see that this does not happen at least on such a scale? You are what you do and not what you say.
Nigel Lawrence
Sep 1st 2009, 15:51
OK, a cub is a nice cuddly toy.
But when the tiger matures and the natural hunter/killer instinct kicks in, the owner had better watch his back!
Denise Ann Buhagiar
Sep 1st 2009, 15:43
Why the aircondition? Tigers in rainforests can withstand temperatures of even 45 degrees. Their thick coat also helps them survive the cold though.
Oh well, a Bengal tiger's roar can be heard up to three kilometres away in case it gets fed up with any mistreatments :)
desirée falzon
Sep 1st 2009, 15:39
Exactly what is a 'sizeable pen' for an animal whose natural territory is the size of Malta?! It is heartening to see that most comments on this article are outraged at the cruelty of keeping a Bengal tigere in a warehouse! But to the reader who wrote that public zoos with such animals are educational, I would say, yes, if we were living in the Dark Ages when human whim and selfishness reigned supreme over land and beast!
Maria Attard
Sep 1st 2009, 15:17
We are going far too much , strictly speaking I`m not worried about the tiger ,I`m more worried about those venomous snakes and spiders being imported into Malta, because if the tiger ascapes it is big and easy to see but what will happen if snakes and spiders do escape,and since there is no venom antidote available in Malta.
C.McElhatton
Sep 1st 2009, 15:10
Can someone please explain to me how these creatures manage to go through? Maybe we need to rev up our spot checks at the airport / seaport? When you get actual big cats coming through to the surprise of all, then there must be something very wrong going on. We live on a tiny island with a small coastline when you get right down to it.
Louis Borg
Sep 1st 2009, 15:02
From the article it looks like it's a great improvment from the previous articles of animals left on roofs without water, food and shelter. This lucky tiger is living in better condition than most of us, in an airconditioned room and food. If it was born in captivity, and it is kept in such good conditions, what's the problem !!!!!!!!! Regarding mating this tiger, as someone suggested, I don't think it will be a problem to someone who spent 23,000 euros on an animal, to bread it. Who knows, after all we might be contributing to the Bengal Tiger population and save it from exctinction.
Edward Zammit
Sep 1st 2009, 14:39
Something more for those who do not know, the difference between a tiger and a tabby is only the size, if one started handling a tiger from the day it was born till it's 14 days old it will be as tame as tame can be. Like cats if they are not handled by humans by the first 14 days of their life (that is when they first open their eyes), they will be very defensive when near humans. What I'm saying is that even the temperament of tigers is the same as the cat's. The only difference is that when it's playing you'd better have a truck tire tied to a rope than a ball on a string. ;-)
CSaliba
Sep 1st 2009, 14:29
Great work from the Animal Welfare Department and well done to those who phoned in to report this abuse. The roofs of houses/warehouses are no place for animals even it they are kept in cages with air-conditioning or supplied with a fan like the poor dogs in B'Kara. These people cannot call themselves animal lovers. This is a just a selfish attitude to show off or for financial gain at the expense of the welfare of the animals and the neighbours
Ian Fiorentino
Sep 1st 2009, 14:18
Who ever is agreeing that this tiger should be allowed to stay with the owner is practically insane. What would you say if this tiger escaped its holding pen when it becomes an adult? What if you walk out of your own home and suddenly you are faced with this massive carnivoure staring at you. I bet you change your mind then but it will be too late like many other things in this country.
Christopher Vella
Sep 1st 2009, 14:16
I wonder how this animal managed to get to Malta. If one can import a tiger without anyone noticing, I can only imagine what comes into this country. It's funny though how this country works. One is free to break all international conventions and import a tiger, but one cannot divorce!
Marvic Attard Gialanze
Sep 1st 2009, 14:04
LOL it is an open 'secret' that you can bring in ANYTHING into Malta, some banned or illegal animal species including pitbulls, Zebras, exotic animals and what not are brought in our Island and are openly sold or traded on a particular local internet site. This includes cats and dogs bypassing the rabies vaccination requirements, it's a matter of time that some disease is unleashed in Malta and then what??? who will take the responsibility??? IF the owner of this Tiger had the needed paperwork to import it - who did he get it from unless from the Veterinary Dept which is the local responsible agency to issue import licences for animals. Please don't make us laugh!! More importantly - HOW did it get in Malta? That is the question!!
G Caruana
Sep 1st 2009, 13:59
In Malta we are missing a proper public Zoo! It is useful for educational purposes. Why do I need to travel abroad to see exotic live animals?
Malcolm Mifsud
Sep 1st 2009, 13:59
What about all the exotic animals in pet shops all over Malta.... the bats, the owls, the parrots, the lizards, the reptiles, the monkeys? Two weights, two measures?
mario salnitro
Sep 1st 2009, 13:30
If a hunter is cought with a single illegal bird it may be just a common sparrow he is treated like a criminal, so how come this person was even allowed to keep this tiger ?????
As always the law is not the same for everyone in Malta !!!!!!!!
Martin Spiteri
Sep 1st 2009, 13:29
I am shocked that we are importing venomenous snakes and other animals with the same capability!
what is stopping the authorities to prohibit the importation and keeping of such animals? if a snake had to escape and encounter humans who is going to protect us?
Why is this island so backwards in these situations?
T Mifsud
Sep 1st 2009, 13:19
@L Galea, R Bartolo
Yes I am suggesting that this tiger be relocated at a large secure safari that can be environmentally as close as possible to its natural habitat and perhaps even allowed to hunt. There it can be mated in security.
I agree that being kept in captivity without a mate is not doing any good to save the species from extinction however I am positive the only person in Malta able to take care of it while a much better place for it and a mate is found, is the owner.
Indeed the tiger should be on a worldwide database for species control. I do not think we are currently equipped with such resources/expertise.
R. Agius
Sep 1st 2009, 13:17
Does anyone else recall the rumour that back when the circus used to visit, a female tiger left the island sans 2 cubs? Wonder what happened to those two.
Importation of animals is getting easier. While I'm not familiar with the legislation, there are people within the pet industry who need only a sizeable cheque and the buyer's preferred type and gender of animal for it to be found abroad and brought over.
Jackie St. John
Sep 1st 2009, 13:14
I hope that this will not be the latest trend on our small Island. Having a sizeable pen and given good food is not enough to justify an endagered species to be imported (!!!!) into Malta.
What will happen once this tiger becomes of full size ? Will it still have a sizeable pen to roam in or rather live a desperate life in a man made prison cell ? I hope that the competent authorities take this case seriously and start working on how this poor animal is to be sent back to it's native country and live a decent life.
We are already faced with the problem (which has now become out of hand) of snake owners etc getting fed up of caring for their so called pet and dumping them wherever they deem fit to become a threat to humans and animal species alike.
I hope that this case does not fall onto deaf ears and that we are kept abreast of how this case will end.
S Grech
Sep 1st 2009, 12:55
There is no such paperwork to be done. This dangerous cub and any such typical animals should be returned to their original place. I like to watch these animals in their original habitat on TV and not captivated something in an artificial environment. Apart from that some animals, like this, are risking to extinct and it is quite selfish to keep them.
A. Calleja
Sep 1st 2009, 12:49
"Mummy! I want an elephant pet!!" What's next???
Ron Taylor - From the UK
Sep 1st 2009, 12:37
Well i once seen a giraffe muching a harrob tree, mind you it was mid summer afternoon and i admit i did have a few cisk beers and a few energy drinks, so i could have been mistaken...Joking. cheer up its not that bad.
R. camilleri
Sep 1st 2009, 12:34
curiouser and curiouser !!!!! what next elephants and rhinos ???!!!!! how do did they get through customs and quarantine ?????? the mind boggles.....
Adrian Cachia
Sep 1st 2009, 12:33
@ T.MIfsud
He should get her a buddy... ;)
Diana Posey
Sep 1st 2009, 12:33
@ D Farrugia.
Well said. I fully agree with you. If the tiger is well cared for and loved, it is better off with the owner... than in circuses or killed by poachers. I also am happy that at least the Authorities did a good thing and left it with the owner until the investigation is completed.
Marianne Mercieca
Sep 1st 2009, 12:12
I'm from Mosta and my thoughts are already running wild and imagining myself hanging the clothes on the roof and suddenly I see this tiger staring at me from the opposite side... oh my God.. so now we are really turning into a jungle... literally :)
Louis Cutajar
Sep 1st 2009, 12:11
Hafna drabi nisimghu nies jitkellmu fuq ir-rispett lejn l-annimali u dan hu punt tajjeb ghax l-annimali huma wkoll parti mill-holqien. Imma qed nispiccaw nitkellmu hafna fuq dan l-aspett u mbaghad meta nigu nitkellmu fuq ir-rispett lejn hutna bnedmin bhalna nispiccaw ma nitkellmu xejn jew daqs li kieku kulhadd qed jirrispetta lil xulxin. Ninsew kemm hawn persuni li qed jghixu f'kundizzjonijiet hziena u jixraqilhom ambjent ahjar u d-dinjita. Dawn mhux biss dawk in-nies ghax forsi ghandhom problema finanzjarja u ma jaffordjawx xi htigijiet imma jinkludu b'mod specjali dawk il-persuni membri ta' familji bi problemi socjali u huma suggetti ghal kull tip t'abbuz u mhux anqas dawk it-tfal li ghandhom il-genituri mifrudin u li ghandhom dritt ghall-familja maqghuda u mhabba kemm mill-omm u mill-missier. Ejjew naghmlu differenza bejn l-annimali u l-bnedmin li huma xbieha ta' Allu u 'l fuq minn kull hlejqa ohra.
monica muscat
Sep 1st 2009, 12:04
Right papers or not, the animal should be sent back to country of origin and be let free in the wild. No one in Malta can expect to keep such a beautiful animal in the right environment.
Monica Muscat
Raymond Calleja
Sep 1st 2009, 12:02
Another Ilegall Emigrant From India lol
Sonia Borg
Sep 1st 2009, 11:53
I disagree with those who think it is ok for the owner to keep such a pet. So, he has money...WHO CARES? This is wrong on so many levels. Such animals are not to be kept captive and especially not in such a confined space. Not to mention that they are world heritage. They belong to everybody and NOT to those who can afford to keep them. In India they have special programmes to try to preserve them and if the owner admires these animals so much, he should spend the money to visit such sanctuaries. This is nothing but an exercise in showing off and should be BANNED and the owner penalised for ignoring the law. ARe we now saying that jsut because he paid for the tiger, we should disregard the fact the owner broke the law??? Are we condoning breaking the law just because one has money? Isn't that corruption?
J. Bugeja
Sep 1st 2009, 11:53
I see no harm in keeping exotic pets. The bad thing comes when some pets are kept in bad conditions or malta's climate is not adequate for them. Or they are a treat like they are venomous or grow to very big sizes.
I have reptiles and also breed. None are dangerous. I have also always done all my studies to make sure that the maltese climate is adequate for the animal. However some exotic pets that require jungle conditions are surely a bigger problem to take care of and also feel the difference.
Note: Not all exotic pets like snakes and spiders are venomous.
Ian Galea
Sep 1st 2009, 11:47
If "tigers were protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites)", if it is "A Bengal tiger, one of the world's endangered species" how are "movement permits issued from the country of origin and the importing country"? How on Earth can the owner have the necessary permits to import it? The mind boggles!
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Sep 1st 2009, 11:44
A tiger slips through customs and nobody notices. Can you imagine what else is imported and nobody notices.
Drugs, illegal weapons maybe!
Marica Micallef
Sep 1st 2009, 11:37
Well done to the Animal Welfare Department once again for its great job.
A cub in Malta? In a cage? What kind of life can she get? Isn't she better in her natural habitat or, if not possible, in a reserve where such animals are protected? I hope that the owner won't be granted permission, permits or no permits. I don't think such permits should be issued either. We're talking about the lives of living creatures here!
M Borg
Sep 1st 2009, 11:29
that's how Malta benefited from the Schengen!!! No border controls? Therefore we can import everything......!!
and no-body will be interested to import an elephant since then it will be quite obvious of what he is carrying in HIS van!!
J Camilleri
Sep 1st 2009, 11:28
I wonder what tabby thought of the Mosta festa and fireworks!!!! Must have had a great view from his rooftop airconditioned room!.... ara l-veru qieghdin sew!
S Saliba
Sep 1st 2009, 11:26
Yesterday on italian news a feature on exotic pets was aired where dangerous snakes were being abondanded and were later found in the neighbourhood gardens etc
Michael Neville Cassar
Sep 1st 2009, 11:20
While these persons are happy they are endangering the lives of innocent people the authority should take a zero tolerance with these persons and send them to jail. Malta was clear from venomous we cannot afford such risk. As a citizen I demand that they take strong action and see that these animals are sent to their original country now.
D Farrugia
Sep 1st 2009, 11:18
If all paperwork is found to be in order and it is being loved and well taken care of as the report is stating then fine. I'd rather see a tiger being well taken care of in captivity as a pet then a tiger exhibited in circuses or zoos or shot down in the wild and cannibalized for its skin or whatever. At least the Authorities did a good thing and left it with the owner not confiscated it and thrown it in a cage somewhere pending investigations. Well done.
If the owner afforded to buy it then Im sure he or she can afford it all the food it needs.
I'm sorry for not agreeing with most of you but we should despise the people that keep animals in pitiful conditions like the various reports of rescued animals that we had read of over the past few months not these.
Galea. L
Sep 1st 2009, 11:17
T Mifsud
Are you then suggesting that it be mated?
If left in its natural environment it could have mated but here?
Why are all these dangerous animals being allowed to be brought here?
How was this tiger brought in? It's not something that you can put in your pocket.
They are not only a danger to persons, but also to local wild life as is known to have happened everywhere alien species were imported, be it animals, plants or trees.
Who would be responsible if this tiger escaped and killed someone?
And even if the person responsible is found, how can someone who has been killed be brought back to life?
This tiger together with all other alien animals should be collected and sent back to their original countries and anyone caught importing them should be extremely heavily fined.
geralda azzopardi
Sep 1st 2009, 11:10
hmmmm an urban legend proved true...another urban legend is of more of these animals kept in valletta garages..anyway the keeping of these animals is nothing more than an ego-pumping for the owner, nothing about love or caring of animals.
R.Bezzina
Sep 1st 2009, 11:09
Good one A. Coppini
a abela
Sep 1st 2009, 11:05
And this is the only one we know of. There may be others.
Simon J. Aquilina
Sep 1st 2009, 11:05
I agree with R Bartolo. This cup should be moved to a location where it can mate with others of its own specious so that hopefully this race does not go extinct.
Mark Galea
Sep 1st 2009, 10:58
Quote "The authorities decided the cub should remain with the owner until investigations established how it was brought in and whether the owner had the necessary paperwork to import it".
Maybe the cub will apply for unknown father status!
A Coppini
Sep 1st 2009, 10:54
and yet we don't mind paying good money to watch a group of dolphins being kept in a tiny pool.
R Bartolo
Sep 1st 2009, 10:49
@ T Mifsud.
The point is being missed here. A captive, non breeding animal may as well be dead as far as the species is concerned.
It would be different if it was in a zoo and there is the possibility of captive breeding, but keeping a single animal of such an endangered species is a selfish crime and serves only to satisfy the whims of its owner.
Nigel Lawrence
Sep 1st 2009, 10:48
If this owner can afford to spend a thousand quid on a kitten, good luck to him. But when kitty grows into a nice big pussy cat, feeding it will cost quite a packet. The owner will be cleaning out Lidl of all of it's stock of tins of cat food! (grin).
Sunny Said
Sep 1st 2009, 10:43
Totally agree with Joseph Galea. If anyone sees the Discovery Channel there are programs of the strict control in airports for animals and anything which could harm the local nature of one of the biggest island (Australia).
When you look at these programs you stop and think... how the hell a small island like Malta which is a spot on the earth map cannot control such things.
E.Schembri
Sep 1st 2009, 10:41
These exotic animals should be banned!
What are the authorities waiting for, someone to be mauled to death by a tiger or some child to die in a playground due to a poisoned bite of a spider or snake. Apart from posing a threat to our natural environment and people, it is also cruelty to keep these animals confined in such small spaces.
It seems the only criminal act in this country is bad parking as there are hundreds of wardens assigned to this task while other sectors remain under manned.
Charles Micallef
Sep 1st 2009, 10:41
We heard of a 'tiger in a tank' but never on a roof, the tiger cab should be repatriated to somewhere where it's best interest comes first at the expense of the person who is housing a dangerous animal on a roof!
It will be interesting to find out how was it imported into Malta.
T Mifsud
Sep 1st 2009, 10:40
OK it was illegal to import it.
But can the ALE see beyond their standard duty of enforcing the law and identify what is now best for the tiger? Clearly the commitment for the owner is there. He paid a large sum, takes care of the environment in which it is in and definitely is feeding it well. besides it looks like he has got the means and the will to do it.
If this tiger is one of the rarest species and its captivity is not for the primary reason of extinction (killing for usage of its skin, bones etc) then this is almost a good deed.
Also, Mr Seychell's statement the the Bengal Tiger needs the size of Malta to roam about is against his own logic, that the tiger in the wild is vulnerable to poachers and therefore contributing to the extinction, unless the wild is not wild anymore but a protected area such a Nature Reserve with all its millions of euros in protecting it.
Unless a large safari area is able to home this tiger then I do not see any other better solution than the commitment of its owner.
Sunny Said
Sep 1st 2009, 10:35
Ok... now, keeping a Husky Dog (Which still i disagree because it's not his natural habitat) in Malta... maybe ok for me. But COME ON!?!?!?! A TIGER? What kind of pet is a tiger? More worst, getting an animal in danger of extinction?
Do people know the effects of these strange and exotic animals which can cause in our environment and the Maltese natural environment if these kind of animals are thrown in the woods? These could have poisonous venom or kill our natural wild life!
I think we are hitting the bottom here. Some people must have a missing nut!
Joseph Galea
Sep 1st 2009, 10:30
How on earth do these people manage to bring in these animals and reptiles? Australia, which is a much, much bigger "island" than Malta seems to be able to strictly control all animals and plant materials that are brought into the country. And yet, here it seems that one is able to bring in tigers, snakes, spiders, plants, etc. with the greatest of ease. What the heck is going on?