Martin Farrugia, a building contractor aged 46, was fined €20,000 for breaching wildlife registration laws by failing to register eleven exotic animal cubs and ignoring calls from veterinary authorities.
Originally permitted to keep three lions, six pumas, and two leopards, an inspection in 2019 revealed Farrugia had neglected to register the 11 cubs born on his premises.
According to law, owners must report exotic animal births to authorities within a week and register them within four weeks, each requiring a €1000 fee. Farrugia’s permit application in Siġġiewi and Buskett had initially listed three pumas, two leopards, and six lions.
However, a 2017 census uncovered two additional unregistered leopards, and a subsequent inspection in 2019 uncovered more unregistered animals, including the 11 cubs.
Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, delivering judgment, noted Farrugia’s failure to comply with legal requirements despite authorities’ calls.
Although no admission of guilt was made, Farrugia rectified the situation prior to the court proceedings. Considering the seriousness of the charges and the number of unregistered animals, Farrugia was fined €20,000. Inspector Elliott Magro prosecuted the case.
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