The authorities are investigating a case where a dog was bitten by an exotic animal in Ghajnsielem, Gozo.

It is understood that the incident took place at a residence where a Puma and a Black Panther were being kept.

According to sources, the owners initially claimed that the dog had been hit by a car when they took him to a veterinarian.

Nationalist MP Mario Galea filed a parliamentary question on the matter. He asked animal rights minister Anton Refalo whether such an incident had taken place, whether the exotic animals had been confiscated, and where they are being kept.

Replying, Refalo confirmed that a dog had been injured at a residence where exotic animals were kept. He said investigations by the authorities were ongoing. Refalo did not say whether the animals have been confiscated.