Charles Polidano

Lions, tigers and other big cats at the Montekristo Animal Park are still kept in inadequately sized enclosures two years after construction magnate Charles Polidano, known as iċ-Ċaqnu, was served with a first written warning, a court heard.

Duncan Chetcuti Ganado said the veterinary services department issued its first warning in December 2012, pointing out that the size of the enclosures was too small according to international standards.

While the situation in general had improved at the Siġġiewi park, today the enclosures for the big cats remained the same and this could cause psychological stress to the animals.

However, he said, the situation was being addressed and should be brought up to standard over the next three weeks.

Dr Chetcuti Ganado was testifying, before Magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona in the case against Mr Polidano, 55, of Safi.

Mr Polidano is pleading not guilty to running an unlicensed zoo and keeping animals in inadequate enclosures at the Montekristo Animal Park on and before July 2014. Charges include keeping pigs without the necessary licence and relapsing.

Dr Chetcuti Ganado said that, following reports, an inspection had been carried out at the park in December 2012 and a written warning was issued on two main points.

The enclosures for big cats and primates allowed space for children to get too close

First, the establishment did not have a licence to operate as a zoo. Such a licence was needed for establishments that allowed access by the public on 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.

There were no signs of direct cruelty toward the animals; they were well fed and in good health.

During another inspection, carried out in April 2014, it emerged that nothing much had changed and a second written warning was issued. There were also concerns about public safety, since the enclosures for big cats and primates allowed space for children to get too close. The pigs were another problem, given that they required a special licence. The pigs were later removed.

In July 2014, the department wrote to the Police Commissioner for action to be taken. The department is working with Mr Polidano to abide by standards and this process should soon be complete.

The case will continue on June 2, when the magistrate may carry out an on-site inquiry.

According to information tabled in Parliament, the illegal zoo hosts nine reptiles, 165 mammals and 1,000 birds. The collection includes over 60 different species benefiting from international protection.

Police inspector Jurgen Vella prosecuted. Lawyers Michael Sciriha and Jean Paul Sammut appeared for Mr Polidano.