I refer to the article ‘Polidano Group will face charges over animal park’, (The Sunday Times of Malta, July 27).

It is unfortunate that the authorities in the past were insufficiently vigilant and that these animals were ever allowed to pass through the system.

Now that they are here, the issue as to whether it is an illegal activity or not is irrelevant to the welfare of the animals concerned, but for their sake, I believe the very least that can be done would be to enforce proper care and enclosures according to the existing law.

Since the Polidanos are intent on having a zoo, I believe they will not object to giving the animals more of their ample space to accommodate them as they should be.

Of course, animals such as these should not be kept in a zoo at all and only a ‘safari park’ would be acceptable.

Surely there is no point banning circuses from our island if we cannot look after our own animals sufficiently well.

Maybe the Rabat animal sanctuary would like to join the Polidanos before they find themselves in the same position.