An alternative site is being sought by the Agriculture Parliamentary Secretariat and the Animal Welfare Department to house 180 stray cats that currently live on the roof of the Macina, in Senglea.

In a story in The Times earlier this week the Carers for Stray and Abandoned Felines expressed concern that they had to evacuate the premises in two weeks’ time.

Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes said that although it seemed the case has been ongoing for a number of years, the required action to relocate the cats was never been taken.

The secretariat, he said, was waiting for the proposals of the Land Department and the organisation for the alternative site to be provided so that the animals could continue to be cared for.

He said the government was also considering the possibility of providing financial assistance to the organisations concerned.