News • 22 December 2002

Reluctant immigrants in Malta

By Marika Azzopardi

The units at the Small Animal Quarantine Section in Luqa have had to be adapted to house a unique blend of exotic animals presently in Malta. 680 Egyptian Tortoises, seven Spur-Thighed Tortoises, five African Grey Parrots, three Green Monkeys, one Patas Monkey, two Dorcas Gazelle, 418 Green Finches, 282 Linnets, 41 Siskins, and one Goldfinch are residing in these units which were originally intended for dogs and cats.

This colourful group of animals did not however reach our shores on a miniature Noah’s Ark, but were unknowingly welcomed by the Malta International Airport on a flight from Libya. Originating from North and Central Africa, these animals were smuggled into Malta in luggage during the night between the 14 and 15 November 2002. The stowaways were discovered by members of the Armed Forces of Malta and MIA security guards. Most of the fauna is protected by international law and its importation is restricted.

The Director General at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries informed us that the animals were taken to the Small Animal Quarantine premises in Luqa where they are still being kept. The case is still sub judice and the animals have to be retained in custody until criminal proceedings have been completed.

Their safe keeping involves provision of food, bedding material, medicine, heating apparatus and veterinary inspections and the authorities have had to carry the burden of the financial expenses incurred.

When MaltaToday enquired as to when the animals would be released, the MAF informed this newspaper that the Law Courts must first issue a Sentence. After which the Director General of the Veterinary Services may decide to find an appropriate accommodation for them in Malta, provided that their well-being and welfare can be guaranteed, or else he may decide to have the animals sent back to the country of origin at the expense of those persons responsible for bringing these animals illegally into Malta. Another alternative would be to find a zoo outside Malta, one which can take over these animals.

Malta Environment & Planning Authority officials have also assured that should the court confiscate the animals, the Environment Protection Directorate shall provide the most appropriate conditions for their disposal according to international guidelines established by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora.

Unfortunately to date one African Grey Parrot and approximately half of the finches have died. Most of the deaths occurred during the first few days of the animals’ stay in Malta. Officials at MEPA commented thus, "This was something to be expected considering the stress the birds have had to endure, together with their poor transport conditions. The containers were too small and contained no food or water."