A government veterinary surgeon yesterday strongly denied allegations of perjury made by Gozitan farmer Gianni Attard, who lost a court case to stop the slaughter of 220 unregistered sheep.

Frank Galea said Mr Attard had filed a judicial protest claiming he had committed perjury when testifying in a case where the farmer challenged a decision by the veterinary department to cull his flock.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli had ruled that the culling was justified to safeguard public health.

She said the authorities’ decision was made within the parameters of the law because of an automatic suspicion that unregistered animals were ill.

Mr Attard appealed the ruling.

Dr Galea said the perjury allegation was slanderous, criminal and disparaging. He noted Mr Attard took advantage of the fact that a judicial act was privileged, hoping he would not be sued for libel.

Dr Galea said that, apart from the libellous comments, Mr Attard had sought to have him fired by accusing him of being a criminal.

Mr Attard’s behaviour was nothing but a desperate reaction to a situation he brought upon himself when he decided not to register the animals, Dr Galea said.

He said the authorities should be informed of what he was saying in his protest so that the truth would prevail.

Dr Galea demanded that Mr Attard immediately withdraw the allegations in writing and circulate such declaration to the media. He also held him responsible for slander.

Lawyer Kenneth Grima signed the protest.