The government’s veterinary surgeon in Gozo is facing perjury charges in the case of the controversial decision to cull an entire flock of sheep.

Frank Galea, 57, from Victoria, appeared before Magistrate Joseph Mifsud in the Gozo Court and denied having given false evidence during civil proceedings in which a farmer challenged the authorities’ decision to slaughter his sheep.

Dr Galea has pleaded not guilty.

Criminal action was taken after shepherd Gianni Attard filed a complaint with the police claiming Dr Galea had lied under oath while testifying on three occasions during court proceedings related to his application to stop the culling of 220 unregistered sheep.

In November 2012, the authorities had culled 216 of the sheep while Mr Attard was under arrest at the Victoria police station in connection with a registration issue involving the animals.

Mr Attard had filed an urgent application in an attempt to stop the Department of Veterinary Services from slaughtering the animals. The culled sheep, estimated to cost in the region of €520,000, had been tested and none was found to be sick.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli, however, ruled that the action 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.

‘Perjury report based on claims of discrepancies in vet’s evidence’

Mr Attard appealed the ruling and a decision is expected this week.

Sources close to the investigation told the Times of Malta Mr Attard’s perjury report was based on claims that there were discrepancies in the vet’s evidence. This was connected to an alleged encounter between the two about the process to register the sheep. According to law, sheep must be registered within six months.

Based on this alleged inconsistency, the police investigated the matter and eventually decided to charge Dr Galea with giving false testimony.

Mr Attard had filed a judicial protest against Dr Galea accusing him of perjury in September 2014.

In reaction, the vet had accused the shepherd of defaming him. He had said that 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.

Lawyer Kenneth Grima appeared for Dr Galea.

Lawyer Joshua Grech appeared parte civile for Mr Attard.