Four lions and a leopard discovered in a building near the Għallis area in Naxxar last December without the necessary permits have been relocated to a secure site in Rabat, with authorities saying that the animals were in good health, despite being held in substandard conditions.

A statement by the Veterinary Regulation Directorate (VRD) on Tuesday provided an update concerning the case of the keeping of dangerous animals that were found in a building in Għallis in December 2024.

The case was first brought to the attention of the authorities on 27 December 2024, the statement said.

An immediate inspection by the competent authorities confirmed the presence of four lions and a leopard being kept without the necessary authorisation, in breach of Subsidiary Legislation 439.19 on the Possession and Keeping of Dangerous Animals.

The site was placed under police surveillance as well as under monitoring by officials from the VRD.

The statement said that although the location did not meet the minimum required standards for animal welfare, assessments by veterinary officials confirmed that the animals were in good health.

It said that they were being fed and cared for adequately, with no physical signs of trauma or neglect.

The animals' body condition scores were good, water was always available, and there was no evidence of stereotypical or aggressive behaviour, it said. The animals did not display any symptoms indicating psychological distress, it added.

To ensure their continued care, the animals were placed under the supervision of a private veterinarian, microchipped shortly after being discovered, and have since remained under continuous health monitoring.

The statement said that due to the classification of these species as dangerous animals under S.L. 439.19, and the fact they were being kept without authorisation, the animals were formally placed under the authority of the Director for Veterinary Regulation.

The individual responsible for these animals was duly notified to ensure the provision of a suitable and legally compliant location for their housing, it said.

The statement said that while the authorities explored the possibility of relocating the animals, including to local zoos, these efforts did not lead to a viable solution.

Consequently, discussions were also initiated with foreign organisations as a contingency in case relocation abroad would be required, it said.

The statement said that after considering alternative sites where dangerous animals are kept, a new site was identified, and the animals were relocated to a facility in Rabat.

The relocation was carried out under strict supervision by the relevant authorities and the police to ensure the animals were transported safely and humanely., it said.

The Veterinary Regulation Directorate ensured that the enclosures at the new site are now appropriate for these animals and is therefore satisfied with their current housing conditions, it said.

The animals are currently in the process of being formally registered in accordance with Legal Notice 43 of 2025, which was recently promulgated., it said.

This registration does not grant immunity from prosecution for previous violations.

The statement said that legal proceedings are therefore underway against the person responsible for the illegal keeping of dangerous animals and the failure to meet standards for proper animal care.

According to the Animal Welfare Act, a first conviction can result in a fine ranging from €2,000 to €65,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, it said.

The statement said that a second or subsequent conviction may result in a fine between €6,000 and €80,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.

"The Veterinary Regulation Directorate remains fully committed to safeguarding public safety and upholding the welfare and rights of all animals, including those that were found in Għallis," it said.