News • November 30 2003

Maltese authorities unperturbed by death of 30 horses

Matthew Vella
The office of the Chief Veterinary have failed to identify the importer of 30 foals that died in transit to Malta from Holland, telling this newspaper the office and the quarantine officials are only made aware of incoming animals upon arrival on Maltese shores.
The death of the foals and ponies was first reported by Italian state TV RAIDUE, after it was discovered that the lorry containing the 30 foals, which were just twelve months old, had a maximum capacity for 12 horses. RAIDUE reported that the lorry left Roda in the Netherlands after having been certified by a Dutch veterinarian. Arriving in Italy, the lorry was intercepted after the driver lost his way and contacted the authorities. The horses were found dead in the lorry and died due to dehydration and lack of food.

Speaking for the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dennis Laferla referred MaltaToday to the quarantine offices in Luqa, which did not know who the importer of the horses was. It is not known whether the importer of the horses was aware that the foals were being transported in a lorry which only had space for 12 horses.
Dennis Laferla told MaltaToday the Maltese authorities will not be carrying out any form of investigation in the matter. “Our main duty would have been to make sure these horses are quarantined for seven days at the Hal-Luqa quarantine upon arrival. As far as we are concerned no further action can be taken.”