Labour Wants Dangerous Animals Gradually Removed From Malta’s Zoos & Says No New Zoos Will Be Allowed

The Labour Party is proposing major new restrictions on dangerous and exotic animals as part of its electoral manifesto if it is voted back into government.

The proposals were included in Labour’s electoral manifesto presented and approved yesterday evening ahead of the next general election on the 30th May.

In the manifesto, Labour said government had already introduced Malta’s first regulatory standards on the keeping and wellbeing of animals in zoos, but admitted that “more still needs to be done.”

Under the new proposals, no new licences would be issued for facilities keeping dangerous animals, effectively preventing the opening of new zoos housing such species in Malta. The manifesto also states that when a dangerous animal dies, it would no longer be allowed to be replaced by another dangerous species.

Labour is also proposing a new “positive list” of exotic animals that are considered suitable to be kept in Malta. This list would only include species adapted to Malta’s climate, with manageable care needs and that do not pose risks to the public.

According to the manifesto, the long-term aim of the reform is for dangerous animals to gradually disappear from Malta altogether.

The party is also proposing legal changes preventing new licences for marine parks housing large sea animals and mammals, arguing that Malta’s small size creates challenges for maintaining facilities large enough for such animals.

The issue of dangerous and exotic animals has remained controversial in Malta in recent years, particularly following public debates surrounding private zoos, animal welfare concerns and incidents involving escaped or illegally kept exotic animals.

Animal rights organisations have repeatedly called for stricter regulation and stronger protections for both animals and the public.

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