A seemingly petty squabble over the sale of two Chihuahua dogs landed 52-year-old Philip Borg and his 17-year-old son in court yesterday.

Mr Borg and his son were respectively charged with attempted murder and complicity in the attempted murder of Fredrick Dalli, whom the father allegedly shot in the back following an argument over the dogs.

Both pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman granted the boy bail against a personal guarantee of Lm5,000 and strict conditions, which include house arrest, while the father was remanded in custody.

The incident was allegedly sparked off by an argument at Mr Borg's home when Mr Dalli, from Cospicua, turned up to complain that the dogs he had bought from the Borgs had died, demanding some sort of compensation.

At one point, Mr Borg (the father) shot the victim, causing slight injuries, the police alleged in court. On requesting bail for his client, defence counsel Anglu Farrugia argued that his client kept a huge amount of animals in his home - about 400 parrots, a dozen dogs and other animals.

"These animals need a lot of hours of care and special attention," Dr Farrugia said pleading for his client to be granted provisional liberty.

Police Inspector Daniel Zammit, prosecuting together with Inspector Ramon Mercieca, objected, saying only the son should be granted bail and he could then take care of the animals.

"I'm sure nobody would want these animals to be harmed but I don't feel this justifies granting the accused bail. Besides, the son is more than capable of taking care of the animals," Mr Mercieca said.

Dr Farrugia insisted that the accused posed no threat to the investigation and was, therefore, eligible for bail irrespective of this reason.

The magistrate decided to grant bail only to the son.