Maltreated animals were found at the basement of an old factory at Mrieħel today during enforcement action by the Planning Authority.
The issue was being investigated by other entities, including the animal welfare, veterinary services and environmental health departments, the authority said in a statement.
It said the PA acted to demolish an illegally erected extension to the factory.
In spite of various communications with the owners and a set deadline to demlish the illegal extension, the situation remained unchanged.
The mistreated animals were discovered as the illegal roofing of the side cartilage, which functioned as an extension to the former factory at basement level, was being removed.