The police are to take action over the zoo at Montekristo, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said in Parliament this evening.

He was replying to a parliamentary question by Mario Galea, opposition spokesman on animal welfare, who referred to a report in The Sunday Times of Malta of January 18 and asked why the police had not acted against this illegal zoo, especially once the Veterinary Service had requested legal action in April last year. He observed that since then the number of exotic animals had continued to increase.

Mr Abela said the letter by the Veterinary Service for police action against the zoo owner was issued on July 18, 2014.

Talks had been held between the police the Veterinary Service about the case. The police also started their investigations.

The Veterinary Service was always of the view that before action was taken, the outcome of talks being held with the owner should be known.

"Now that the police have confirmation, they will proceed," the minister said.

See also http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150118/local/Authorities-ask-why-police-have-not-acted-over-unlicensed-zoo.552274

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