A pet-shop in Ħamrun was yesterday described as a veritable concentration camp as its owner was arraigned in court for animal cruelty.

The pet shop, High Society Canine Beautician in Ħamrun, had little ventilation and rusted cages which, in some cases, were only slightly larger than the animals they housed, animal welfare inspector Emanuel Buhagiar testified.

He said a raid was carried out on April 26 and 51 animals were found in the shop in conditions resembling a concentration camp, with dogs, cats, three rabbits and even a rooster crammed into tiny cages.

On top of that, the animals shared the confined spaces with their excrement, he said.

The pet shop is owned by 48-year-old Mario Aquilina of Ħamrun who is pleading not guilty to animal cruelty and operating without a licence.

The inspector said the case had first come to light after a number of residents complained to the police and the animal welfare department about the strong smell of waste coming from the shop.

However, the animals have not been moved. The inspector complained to Magistrate Antonio Vella that the police could not shut the shop down because they were not empowered to do so at law.

And as things stand, the police can only confiscate animals if they are certified by a vet to be sick.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Ramon Mercieca prosecuted. Lawyers Marion Camilleri and Franco Debono appeared for Mr Aquilina.