Charles Polidano, known as Ċaqnu, this afternoon pleaded not guilty of  running an unlicensed zoo and keeping animals in inadequate enclosures at the Montekristo Animal Park, limits of Siggiewi.

Mr Polidano, 55, appeared before Magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona.

Vet Duncan Chetcuti Ganado, from the Veterinary Services Department, testified they in 2012 the department received reports of animal cruelty at the Montekristo Estates.

An inspection was carried out in December that year and a written warning was issued on two main points. First, the establishment did not have a licence to operate as a zoo. Such a licence was needed for establishments that allowed the public access more than seven days a year.

Secondly, the enclosures in which certain animals were kept, especially the big cats, were smaller than the minimum international standards and did not have adequate enrichments such as trees and toys. This caused animals to suffer psychologically. There were no signs of direct cruelty toward the animals as they were well fed and in good health.

During another inspection carried out in April 2014 it resulted that nothing much changed and a second written warning was issued. There were also concerns about public safety since the enclosures of big cats and primates allowed space for children to put their fingers in.

There was also an issue because there were pigs that required a special licence Mr Polidano did not have. The pigs had since been removed.

In July 2014 the department wrote to the Police Commissioner for action to be taken. The department continued carrying out regular inspections and officials were told certain structures could not be touched pending planning permits.

Since then the department worked with Mr Polidano, who employed a full-time vet, to abide by the international standards. The big cats were still in inadequate enclosures although the situation was in the process of being resolved and would be abiding to standards in about three weeks.

The case will continue on June 2 when the magistrate might carry out an onsite inquiry.

Police Inspector Jurgen Vella prosecuted.

Lawyers Michael Sciriha and Jean Paul Sammut appears for Mr Polidano.