Following yesterday's incident at Montekristo Estate where a three-year old boy suffered grievous injuries after being attacked by a tiger,  Professor Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson, said:"This is just another in a series of accidents which is showing that the rule of law is rapidly collapsing in our country.  The country is being run by unelected business people acting illegally and not by our elected representatives. We have had Paqpaqli a few weeks ago, Paceville  two weeks ago, now this at Polidano's illegal complex.  We are no longer interested in crocodile tears by Prime Minister Jospeh Muscat and Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil, whose parties in government failed to act effectively against the rampant illegalities by the Polidano Group. Who is going to shoulder political responsibility and resign? Is the President of the Republic going to hold events at this illegal site?" 

Simon Galea, Alternattiva Demokratika Spokesperson on Animal Welfare and Agriculture stated:"Reports on media about all the illegalities concerning Montekristo Estates, including the said zoo, have been going on for years without any concrete enforcement measures being taken. It is amazing how some people are above the law. Apart from irregularities involving development permits, Montekristo Estates also operates this illegal zoo where exotic animals are deprived from their natural habitat which not only disrespects the animals' welfare but also proves to be a danger to visitors. Exotic and wild animals' place is in their natural wild habitat and not in captivity, let alone on a leash amongst 3 year old toddlers. Yesterday's incident is a result of the incompetence of government after government that in order to favour Charles Polidano, refrain from enforcing the law."