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.
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John Pace
Jul 27th 2010, 21:08
Calling the perpatrators of this crime animals would do injustice to the real animals which, like the ones stolen, were used as a therapy for disabled children.
Let's hope these culprits are caught and given the sentence they deserve......hopefully behind bars!
Carmel Sultana
Jul 27th 2010, 14:54
Shame on those who did it..
@ Inspire - if the animals are so precious for the therapy then why are they not well guarded ?
@Ms Andreana Attard - In previous posts mark sultana explained someone had already donated security cameras and also personell...whats there left to do ??
In my eyes this is pure negligence.
andreana attard
Jul 27th 2010, 12:31
Maybe a large company, a bank or a well-off individual can contribute to the purchase of the security cameras.
A.Attard
Jul 27th 2010, 10:59
Animals, Animals, Animals, The issue here and the shame is about stealing an important therapy for disabled children. I love animals, I've got a dog at home and it gives me really great joy in my life and everybody has something to learn even from animals.But animal before human is getting realy out of hand here...
R.Gatt
Jul 28th 2010, 11:21
"But animal before human is getting realy out of hand here... "
Why not? If we learn to respect and treat animals with the same level of respect we are "supposed" to treat human beings (without going into the merit of whether the individual actually classifies as a human being), that would be sublime.......until then, we shall always be inferior to an animal when it comes to respect.
N Cutajar
Jul 27th 2010, 10:32
Why is it always that sombody tries to do a good deed and than gets slapped in the face ? Ir-Razett is not at fault because the animals were stolen, the fault lies with persons who steal from innocent childern, the same kind of people who would steal from the elderly. Yes the animals are an attraction with the added benefit that they have a therapeutic effect on children less fortunate than others. So what is wrong with this? If anybody had a problem with the animals being kept they should have spoken before not criticise now. Putting in security will only lessen the risk not remove it totally. Really securing (not placing mickey mouse equipment) a place like ir-razett is no easy task and with a relative hefty bill attached to it, and I am sure that inspire had more worthwhile projects in mind with this kind of money. The only way of creating a detterent is, by issuing a real punishment when these humans are caught to be used as an example. And the punishment should be extended to anybody purchasing the animals. Because at the end of the day no sale without a buyer.
Isabella Peresso Fiorentino
Jul 27th 2010, 21:56
If I have something precious at home, I would treasure it and guard it well. So why didn't the razzett do so with these animals? Because THEY weren't so important but what they were forced to do was.
Franco Farrugia
Jul 28th 2010, 11:58
Ir-Razzett IS at fault because the animals are its responsibility as much as the children going there, are. Animals, Mr Cutajar, are sentient beings and are vulnerable as much as children are - do you accept that?
When the first theft took place, I was also vociferous in my condemnation.
Animals are good for therapy. I have already written so. HOwever, you must accept the fact that the Razzett were not responsible enough as to keep the animals safe, even at night. We also have an eye-witness, stating that she approached the animals in broad daylight with nobody nearby.
Kindly also remember that the Razzett does not work for nothing!
Point made, I hope.
Pule' Carmel
Jul 27th 2010, 10:24
Such a mentaly still exists in Malta ? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
shaun camilleri
Jul 27th 2010, 05:07
These animals I have a feeling will be killed apart from the parrot. If this organisation cannot look after the animals it keeps why does it keep them? Them saying the animals are looked after and are visited by a vet to alleviate some of their guilt does not eliminate the fact that they did not even close them in pens and had someone looking after them at night. When something like this happens I would prefer not to know as it really makes me sad.
If whoever done it is caught they will be called naughty boys/girls and told to go back to their mums. There is no justice in Malta - but - you know that.
Maria Vella
Jul 27th 2010, 09:53
Shaun we all get sad at such news. This organisation does not close the pets in pens so that they are as free as possible to roam around. They do not employ a night security maybe because they are not well off enough to incurr the cost of a salary. They do depend on donations to offer their services, incurring extra expenses would rather defy their purpose dont you think? Shame on those who steal. I do not think that these animals are killed I rather suspect that some one has found a market for exotic animals.
Andrew Farrugia
Jul 26th 2010, 22:29
Shame! I do hope that these criminals are caught and given some serious time behind bars. I also hope that better security arrangements are in place at Inspire; it is true that criminals and vandals will always try to find ways of undermining all forms of security measures but perhaps taking on some reliable person as a watchman would help.
Isabella Peresso Fiorentino
Jul 26th 2010, 21:58
Does anyone really care about the welfare of these animals? Or are we only sorry these animals were stolen because they were being used as "an attraction and as a therapeutic input for children with disabilities"?
Our climate does not cater for these animals anyway, so why were they brought over in the first place? Can't the Razzett use dogs to interact with these children? These animals have a very high therapeutic value with children with disabilities and this is proven.
Kevin Paul Mercieca
Jul 26th 2010, 17:46
Its a pity we have to read this news. Any theft is wrong..but this one is really really in bad taste. I am surprised that no one from razzett tal-hbiberija reacted to some of the comments below. I dont remember the other thefts but if this is true than not having security features is pure negligence. I agree with some of the comments...in the sense that if you cant take proper care..whatever the intention of pets..then you shoulnt keep the animals. @ Mark Sultana...you seem to speak on behalf of Razzett Tal Hbiberija / Inspire. Perhaps you might want to tell someone to reply to some of the comments. I beleive we - your sponsors - do need further explanation. In particular for the comments of Francis Sant and Azzopardi. Hope the animals are returned soon, and that the real animals are caught.
alan Montanaro
Jul 26th 2010, 17:38
For heaven sake, this was the second time. Are there no CCTV cameras? Aren't the animals chipped? Also, these criminals can't be that hard to track down: 4 mountain goats and a deer can't be that easy to hide. Hopefully a neighbour will speak up Once these criminals are caught .. we can expect them to be punished with the full force of the law.
Claire Busuttil
Jul 26th 2010, 17:06
It is so true, that humans are the worst kind of animal........I just hope that the animals were stolen, to be kept, somewhere suitable for them.....but I have my doubts. As an animal lover than, I want to tell Animal Welfare, to make Inspire foundation, adopt a cctv system, on their premises, since these animals are a so helpless target. It is not fair, that Inspire have these animals, and it is not protecting them!!
R B-P
Jul 26th 2010, 17:05
I would gladly volunteer a night a month or so to keep a valuable resource like this safe. Who's with me?
Anton Farrugia
Jul 26th 2010, 19:10
me.
D.Degaetano
Jul 27th 2010, 11:21
I'd join you guys too. People who cannot afford to donate money could offer some of their time.
Charles Micallef
Jul 26th 2010, 16:12
The words that one would want to describe these culprits are un-printable, stealing anything from anyone or anyone is bad enough, but stealing from "Inspire" is beyond contempt!
Tonio Azzopardi
Jul 26th 2010, 16:08
Once the police catch them, they should name and shame them!
Mark Seychell
Jul 26th 2010, 15:32
words do not describe the sick and cowardly actions of these bastards. May the earth crack open under their feet and they rot in hell
J.Henry
Jul 26th 2010, 13:59
this is just disgusting... i can never understand how some people can look at animals as things to be stolen and sold.. they are sentient beings.. more so perhaps than the thieves who stole them! i sincerely hope these people are caught and given a harsher sentence! Malta really needs to start putting the rights of animals closer to those of people!
STEVEN DELICATA
Jul 26th 2010, 12:23
How can such COWARDS end up doing such an atrocity? These animals form part of the therapy Inspire offer for their many patients. the animals also are an attraction to many children who visit the premises. I really hope that the authorities concerned will this time give the punishment that this atrocity deserves. SHAME ON THE CULPRITS.
AAzzopardi
Jul 26th 2010, 12:05
Excuse my ignorance, however can't these animals be chipped like cats, dogs and pigeons? Am I mistaken if I say that animals are chipped to know who their owner is and in certain cases track them if they are lost?
Having said that I can only imagine if these animals were to be chipped and stolen, the robbers would surely try and locate the chip to remove it. I don't want to think what would happen next......
poor animals.
speechless!
Anton Farrugia
Jul 26th 2010, 19:15
unfortunately the chip that is placed inside the animal is not a tracking beacon. It is simply a passive RFID chip that stores a small amount of information, usually an animal ID. Using this ID number more information about the animal can be queried from back-end databases. However like i said, it cannot be used to track down an animal. Remember, that in order to track something, you will obviously need its position and the only way to obtain an objects position is via GPS. Thus implying that if you want to track an animal you will need to equip them with a GPS device.
Joe E Galea
Jul 26th 2010, 11:56
I fthese sick individuals are caught they should be thrown into isolation jail for the rest of their lives. They are so sick in their heads that they should be eliminated from society.
D.Mallia
Jul 26th 2010, 11:49
These cases will repeat themselves frequently as long as penalties for such cases and for animal cruelty remain leniant
Mark Sultana
Jul 26th 2010, 11:32
Allow me to clarify some issues while thanking those showing support to our charitable organisation.
Following the 2007 we have had securty guards 24hrs donated by Wastserv Malta Ltd (which eventually had to stop due to financial issues) We also had CCTV installed in main areas around the building (also donated to our charity).
Inspire has a policy of not purchasing any animals in particular exotic ones. The two monkeys & parrots held were donated a number of years ago from pet owners. Most of the animals have been born in the park such as goats, deer and emu. For the benefit of the animals' wellbeing no lights are on during the night in their areas and we neither close them in small pens to safeguard them from being stolen. Unfortunately the culprits have taken advantage of these issues to once again steal from a charity which has been giving services to people with disabilities in our society for more then 20years. The animals are regulary visited by vets.
These animals, such as the baby goats and rabbits are fed and groomed by children & persons with disabilities which for them is therapeutic.
Franco Farrugia
Jul 26th 2010, 17:33
Mr Sultana, the mission and work of the Razzett is an honourable and important one. Animal therapy is important for the children and those who make use of the Razzett as it is important for animal welfare, because by this kind of therapy, hopefully, animals in general are respected more, and their abilities of interaction with humans underlined even further. But it is DESPICABLE that the Razzett do not ensure 100% of the safety of the animals. Those responsible for last night's robbery are people who will surely not give tuppens by hurting the animals or even killing them and making them disappear. Surely, these thieves will not have an idea how to look after, and keep, such animals which to us, are 'alien'. One would think that the Razzett would increase somewhat the reputedly high outlay of salaries tht it has by employing a night-warden to look after the premises, including the animals.
J.Debono
Jul 26th 2010, 11:23
Shame, shame, shame! Return those animals at once, if you have any human respect! Tafu li sraqtuhom lit-tfal b'dizabilità!!!
Robert Azzopardi
Jul 26th 2010, 11:12
Sick Sick Sick
Francis Sant
Jul 26th 2010, 11:08
Indeed a shame. Pity some people can stoop so low.
On the otherhand, Razzett tal-Hbiberija should have at least installed security cameras. They are actually an investment. If I remember well there was also a money theft from the place around 2 years ago.
they are not so expensive as one might think. Of course having guards on site (which Razzett tal-Hbiberija also had in the past) would be the best solution.
On a different but related note, once someone had challenged Mr Farrugia to make his wage and his management teams (including his own brother) wages known. After all, they are being paid for from donations.
Only then we can see what is expensive or not.
estelle grech
Jul 26th 2010, 11:08
So sorry to hear this! Terrible news! Shame on the perpetrators of suchah disgusting act!!
Brian Camilleri
Jul 26th 2010, 10:49
Stealing from disabled childred!!! you have to be a vile pest to do this!!
Anna Farrugia
Jul 26th 2010, 10:46
Shame on the robbers! Shame! Shame! Shame! and I hope that when these idiots are caught they get a good punishment, like spending the night in jail and during the day cleaning up the dung from the animal closures and helping the children at the Razzett. Maybe these idiots will learn something once and for all. I hope that the animals are found before it is too late.
Roy Perry
Jul 26th 2010, 10:42
I have many Maltese friends and am very grateful for their care and compassion - but - what originally caused this intemperate and appalling behaviour among a nation of so-called animal lovers? It is in eveidence all around us. The pet owners who behave in an insanely jealous manner at shows, those who kill birds just to be better than their neighbours - and an overall lack of responsibility. Does this attitude go back to the days of The Great Siege?
Whereever it comes from, Malta would be a better place if it could be eradicated entirely. Perhaps the Government should enforce legislation preventing the establishment of private collections of animals.
Peter Murray
Jul 26th 2010, 10:42
It's ironic how we use the term animal as a derogatory description of a human being who behaves in an uncouth or savage manner.However,I would argue that we humans can learn more from animals about behaviourial tendencies than the other was around.I have often thought that when animals gather together and one misbehaves badly do they excuse it of behaving like a human? Animals in captivity don't mistreat humans and lets hope these are found safe and sound and learn again to trust humans.
M. Vella
Jul 26th 2010, 11:18
I fully agree with you Peter!
Stephen Koludrovic
Jul 26th 2010, 10:38
Its easy to say beef up the security, but who is going to cough up the money.
Its about time we started to donate a few euros for the benefit of our children.
Franco Farrugia
Jul 26th 2010, 10:47
No, sir. I beg to differ. The Maltese are giving and pumping FAR TOO MUCH MONEY from their own pockets to charity and to institutions. It is about time that we realise our limitations. If the Razzett is unable to keep these animals away from danger, then it shouldn't be presumptuous enough as to keep them in the first place!
Sam Scicluna
Jul 26th 2010, 13:46
Dear Mr. Farrugia,
If we can't pump out money to help the most vulnerable of our society, then our society has no moral ground to stand on (let alone the funds!).
Men and women for others, someone once told me.
Luke Spiteri
Jul 26th 2010, 10:35
Affarijiet li jhalluk bla kumment. Imma la ga grat darba ma ngatix cans isir darb'ohra hux.
Paul Barrett
Jul 26th 2010, 10:32
These are not the sort of animals you can easily hide possession of so unless they have been stolen for food (parrot pie ?), the thieves have a slight problem hiding their tracks.
Time for a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of these uncaring thoughtless greedy individuals, and fines large enough to pay for top of the line security surveillance and alarms.
Jack Sparrow
Jul 26th 2010, 10:29
The following title would have been better: "God's creatures stolen by animals".
Andrea Portelli
Jul 26th 2010, 10:26
Pathetic peasants.... kemm hawn min hu bil-guh!!
George Poitier
Jul 27th 2010, 19:45
Absolutely spot on. Yes there are lots of "bil-guh" as you put it.
j.agius
Jul 26th 2010, 10:20
about 1 year ago or so the place used to be secured 24 hrs by personnel from a local security company.....but no longer seen ! why they've stopped this ?
Franco Farrugia
Jul 26th 2010, 10:19
When the first incident took place, I took the administration of this place to task over the way they keep animals there. It appears that they have not learnt their lesson. Now we shall once again wait, with baited breath, to see the outcome of this story and learn the fate of the animals that were taken away. For shame, administration! For shame!
Mr Farrugia should know, if he is civlised, that animals are also important for their own sakes, and not for the therapy that they naturally give to mankind.
Mela sew ... annimali li jaghtu kontribut lis-socjeta b'dan il-mod, umbaghad ma nindukrawhomx. Issa, noqghodu nibku u nilmentaw! Imisskom tisthu!
Andrew Grech
Jul 26th 2010, 18:56
Franco What do you have against charity? Why cannot you accept that animals provide therapy to certain children with specific conditions? Instead of critising what are YOU doing to help? What is YOUR solution to childrens needs? Why are you finding refuge in the welfare of the animals??? They are looked after. Previous owners could not cope...Inspire was a wise choice of destination...always better then the knife (or the gun). What are (were) the animals suffering from? Open space, food, water, care and attention, what??? (Should they be in their native land? - Yes, but go tell that to those who brought them here not to those who provided shelter!!!)
Franco Farrugia
Jul 27th 2010, 00:00
What I am saying is that if the Razzett cannot cope with looking after animals TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY, it should not use and abuse the animals. Very simple, no?
Peter Korsten
Jul 28th 2010, 08:30
Honestly, what planet are you living on? So now it's their fault that the animals got stolen? Should I not line in a house, because it might be broken into? Should a woman not walk the streets, because she might get raped?
And they get the animals dumped on them; it's no exactly that they go around looking to stuff their grounds full of animals.
The crime is theft. Nothing else. Instead of criticising, why don't you do something more constructive? Like, say, helping out, in whatever way?
Joseph Vassallo
Jul 26th 2010, 10:19
Re- the last paragraph, were those stolen animals recovered or did they end up as meat at someone's beach barbecue?
A Cardona
Jul 26th 2010, 10:11
Fool me once shame on you.... fool me twice shame on me!
renald williams
Jul 26th 2010, 10:07
and children with disability suffer...
Franco Farrugia
Jul 26th 2010, 10:29
And what about the animals in question? Don't they suffer as much, as well? Or is it because they are not human beings, it's ok for them to suffer?
John Abela
Jul 26th 2010, 11:58
@Franco Farrugia
For the umpteenth time on this newspaper's comments section, Mr. Farrugia, you are terribly, terribly out of line. Who, at any point, said that they don't care about the animals? No one even IMPLIED it. Please, don't put words in other peoples' mouths. And kindly stop trying to be the saviour of the day with solutions to all the issues on the islands.
Franco Farrugia
Jul 26th 2010, 17:28
@ John Abela - I don't care what you say about me and how you try, however pathetically, to denigrate me personally. When it comes to animals, I do NOT care - read my words - how people try to attack me! The Razzett is wrong to put the animals in a situation whereby stealing them is easy. It has happened for the second time. The first time it happened, animals suffered a lot and died. We expect the same thing to happen this time round, unfortunately. It is useless for Nathan Farrugia to now try and make amends and lament how they cared for the animals' well-being. The animals are being used and abused: that is fact! You do not give a monetary value on animals and lament how hard it otherwise is to get them to Malta. The Razzett has no right, anymore, to keep animals because it has been found that they are unable to protect them. So, I don not think I am 'out of line' and if I were, you would be the last person to convince me to the contrary.
John Abela
Jul 26th 2010, 23:00
unfortunately, your choice of words simply serves to uncover you - in this argument, you are simply utilising the subject to defend yourself flimsily. Mr. Farrugia, I, too, am a lover of animals, and totally agree that when it comes to animals, I know no boundaries either. However, in this case, your behaviour leaves much to be desired, as you are simply attacking someone for "omitting" to make a comment, rather for a comment which was made. Had the gentleman said anything of the sort, I would be the first to support you.
Unfortunately, it is not the first time your comments on this newspaper leave much to be desired. I do not wish to attack you personally, but I do wish some comments were properly thought out before being posted simply for the point of being controversial, which is what you unfortunately tend to seem to want to do. I do not know you personally and therefore cannot judge you - however kindly show an ounce of respect to your fellow human beings.
angelo baldacchino
Jul 27th 2010, 11:22
franco, people grow tired. john abela is 1000000 right. live with it
M. Vella
Jul 26th 2010, 10:05
I agree that security features should be installed however I am quite sure that the lack of such features is only due to the limited funds provided to such an organisation go towards offering therapy services, employing the right people etc.
I hope that the animals will be found safe and sound!
Matthew Montebello
Jul 26th 2010, 10:03
despicable
KZarb
Jul 26th 2010, 09:52
Sickening!
However, where is the security at this place, especially since it's not the first time? Also, what would happen if, God forbid, an accident e.g. a fire would break out in this place? The animals would not stand a chance it seems...
d cardona
Jul 26th 2010, 09:48
maybe it's about time they install cameras and employ some security.
hope the animals will be found .....
M.Bartolo
Jul 26th 2010, 17:51
If you read the article, the organisation do not afford the cctv installation and/or its cost - "the logistics and expense of covering the extensive animal park as well, proved too demanding for the charity."