Officials from the Veterinary Regulation Directorate have visited a Fgura dairy farm and issued a number of instructions, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights said.

Earlier this week, a group called Animal Liberation Malta uploaded shocking photos following a visit to the farm.

The group said it had witnessed pain, suffering and abuse at the site, including a cow whose legs were tied together due to a damaged pelvis and other sick animals that were being kept in inadequate conditions.

In a statement, the government said that officials had inspected both the farm and the animals.

They gave instructions for the farm to be cleaned up and for the animals to be given medical treatment. The officials also issued instructions for the animals to be given adequate shelter.

A follow-up exercise will be carried out next week.

The officials also instructed the owners to fix the ground so that it would not remain slippery and for the site to be better managed. Microbiological testing on the milk gave positive results, the statement said.

The government said there are ongoing discussions on the future of the farm since the owner passed away recently.

Once the necessary investigations are concluded, a report will be sent to the Commissioner for Animal Welfare, which will also detail the enforcement action that needs to be taken.

The Parliamentary Secretariat said no form of animal abuse will be tolerated.