Updated: Animals stolen again from Inspire premises

Unknown people forced their way into premises of Inspire (formerly Razzett tal-Hbeberija) and stole a number of animals in the second theft of its kind.

At least one baby deer, four mountain goats and one parrot completee with cage, were stolen, CEO Nathan Farrugia said. Officials were checking if other animals were also stolen. The parrot had been donated by the pupils of San Anton School.

Two other deer showed signs of injury, indicating that they may have evaded capture.

"The animals are important for us not only as an attraction but also for therapeutic input for children with disability because of the human-animal interaction, so it is a much larger loss than the monetary value," Mr Farrugia said.

The theft took place overnight. The deer on its own costs around €600.

Inspire said the goats and deer were all born in the park.

"Inspire has a strict policy of not purchasing any exotic animals. The monkeys and deer were donated a number of years ago from pet owners who couldn’t keep them for various reasons. In fact, these animals are highly valued as obtaining them from overseas requires a lengthy process."

It added that it took strict precautions to ensure the animals were well cared for.

"The animals are regularly visited by vets and for the benefit of the animals’ wellbeing no lights are on during the night in their areas and they are not locked in small pens. Ironically, this makes it easier for thieves to access the area and steal from a charity which has been giving services to people with disabilities in our society for more then 20 years."

No property was damaged as the burglars are suspected to have broken in from the back. The police who are investigating this case have ordered a further forensic investigation to be carried out.

Inspire had installed a number of CCTVs around the main building in the past, however the logistics and expense of covering the extensive animal park as well, proved too demanding for the charity.

Anyone having any information on the whereabouts of the animals was asked to contact the police.

A man was imprisoned last February and another two received lesser sentences after being convicted of stealing animals from Razzett tal-Hbiberija in December 2007.

Louis Ronayne, 26 of Kirkop was jailed for two years after the court found that he had ignored previous opportunities given to him by a court to reform. He was also ordered to serve out four years jail imposed in a previous sentence.

Salvino Ronayne, 20 of Marsascala, was placed under probation for three years after the court heard that since a previous conviction, he had made progress in reforming himself.

Kevin Portelli, 32 of Fgura was handed a two-month jail term suspended for three years after the court ruled that he deserved an opportunity to reform without going to prison.

The three had also been convicted of handling stolen property and causing hardship to the animals.

It resulted that Louis and Salvino Ronayne had first entered the razzett and stolen a monkey. Two days later they stole a deer which they sold to Kevin Portelli. A few days later all three together stole other animals from the razzett. The monkey and the deer had a value of € 1,397 while the other animals were worth €1,444.