The Momentum party is calling for urgent government action "following alarming evidence of widespread animal welfare failures involving exotic and captive wildlife across Malta."

 Despite months of appeals from NGOs, activists, and concerned citizens, authorities have failed to take meaningful steps to address the situation, it said.

Katya Compagno, executive member of Momentum, said, "Lions, dolphins, and other wild animals continue to be kept in conditions that violate basic welfare standards. Although Malta's 2016 law prohibits private individuals from keeping dangerous species without proper licenses, the government recently issued an amnesty for owners who were keeping exotic animals illegally. This decision effectively removed legal consequences and undermined the enforcement of existing animal protection legislation."

"Examples include the construction of an illegal rooftop enclosure in Swieqi, later issued a penalty €2 daily fine, an insulting amount that surely fails to discourage future violations, particularly for wealthy individuals." The party also mentioned the discovery of four lions and a leopard in underground captivity on private property in Naxxar. "Despite a public outcry, the animals moved from one underground cage to another registered 'hell'  this time in Rabat. Video from the site shows bleak conditions, including concrete cages, metal bars, limited space, and exposure to intense summer heat."

 Compagno said that "Ultimately, the transfer offered no real improvement to the animals' welfare. Despite public concern, no veterinary report has been released, and relevant authorities have remained silent." 

Another persisting issue is conditions at Mediterraneo Marine Park, where three dolphins continue to perform in shallow tanks with poor water quality and minimal enrichment, the party said.

Compagno said, "Let's not forget that other 3 dolphins died due to lead poisoning and that the Commissioner for Animal Welfare condemned the handling of the case, citing negligence and lack of transparency. Since then, campaigners report that no meaningful improvements have been made to the facility."

Momentum is calling for immediate measures, including a full veterinary inspection of the Rabat facility and the public release of a report on the conditions of the animals held there. Momentum demands the urgent transfer of the lions and leopard to internationally recognised sanctuaries where their welfare can be guaranteed. In the case of Mediterraneo Marine Park, Momentum calls for an independent inspection by qualified external experts, followed by immediate upgrades to the dolphins' environment to improve water quality, provide shade, and ensure proper stimulation.

Momentum further urges the Ministry for Animal Rights to publish a national action plan for the protection of wild animals in captivity that includes legally binding timelines and a roadmap for phasing out the keeping of wild animals in unsuitable settings. Momentum calls for the creation of an independent oversight body made up of veterinarians, NGOs, and animal welfare experts to ensure ongoing transparency and accountability.

Compagno concludes, "Every additional day these animals remain in their current conditions is another day of torture. The Maltese government must uphold its responsibilities under national and international animal welfare standards."