Momentum flags government's reversal on zoo licences pledge

Momentum has questioned government’s commitment to animal welfare after Montekristo Estate was granted a zoo licence.

The party noted that the licence comes despite commitments made in the Labour Party's 2026 electoral manifesto.

The manifesto pledged that no new zoo licences would be issued to facilities keeping dangerous animals, that such animals would not be replaced when they die, and that their presence in Malta's zoos would gradually come to an end.

Katya Compagno, an executive member of Momentum, called on the government to explain how the licensing decision aligns with these commitments.

The party also raised concerns about regulatory enforcement, pointing to what it described as a recurring pattern of unauthorised developments being approved retrospectively.

It cited recent Planning Authority decisions concerning L-Arka ta' Noè Zoo in Siġġiewi, where further development, including the regularisation of unauthorised structures and additional facilities, was approved.

Earlier this week, MaltaToday reported that L-Arka ta’ Noe regularised development that had already started against a statutory fine of €31,869, while the applicant will also pay a separate €25,000 planning gain towards environmental improvement projects in Siġġiewi.

In their statement, Momentum spoke of Montekristo's legal history, noting that its operator was convicted in 2021 of offences including operating an illegal zoo, failing to register animals and causing unnecessary animal suffering.

It argued that the cases of Montekristo and L-Arka ta' Noè raise questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and the enforcement of planning and animal welfare rules.

Compagno said government should demonstrate how it intends to ensure compliance at such establishments, particularly in light of its 2026 manifesto.

She called on the government to clarify whether its manifesto commitments would be reflected in its regulatory decisions.