Animal rights group Vuci ghall-Annimali has said that the four lions and a panther that had been found in a Naxxar building are going to be moved in the next few days.

The animals had been found in January, in an enclosure in Naxxar. At the time veterinary evaluations indicated that the animals are generally in good physical condition, although one lion is exhibiting signs of an orthopaedic condition that requires further attention.

Posting a statement on social media, the group said that "unlike what we were told by VRD (Veterinary Regulation Directorate), these animals have already been sedated and microchipped and will be relocated to another premises in Malta."

"We are shocked and outraged by this decision - though sadly, not surprised. Rather than enforcing the law, the authorities are actively working against the animals' best interests, going to great lengths to facilitate the continuation of this illegality."

The group said that this case could have and should have been used to set an example - "to show that those who abuse, neglect, or keep wild animals illegally in Malta will face consequences. Instead, what we are witnessing is yet another failure by the authorities, who once again choose to protect those who break the law rather than standing up for what is right."

"This is exactly why Four paws and born free were refused access to Malta to check on the lions and assess their relocation abroad. Authorities claimed they didn't want the animals sedated twice - once for check-ups, once for transport. But today, we have confirmation that they've already been sedated by a local vet. So all those excuses? Meaningless."

The group claimed that instead of collaborating with international rescue organisations and doing what's ethically right, "VRD is choosing to protect those who abuse and neglect wild animals."

"We are disgusted. Time and again, Malta fails animal welfare, fails these animals, and chooses compliance with lawbreakers over justice," the group said.