Animal cruelty case in Gozo sparks public outrage as police delay enforcement

Oct 16, 2025

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A recent case of alleged animal cruelty in Xewkija, Gozo, has sparked public outrage following a Facebook post claiming that authorities have not yet acted against the owner of a cattle farm accused of mistreating animals.

According to the post, despite the Animal Welfare Directorate’s involvement, the police have so far failed to take enforcement measures against the individual concerned. The author alleged that the farmer threatened police officers after Animal Welfare officials carried out an inspection and sought assistance from law enforcement. It was claimed that the man warned officers that if they entered his property, “they would regret it.”

The post described the situation as “heartbreaking and infuriating,” questioning why the authorities have not yet intervened to protect “innocent creatures.”

In a further update, it was alleged that authorities removed only one of the dogs from the property, leaving another behind despite both reportedly being in poor condition. Sources familiar with the situation described the decision as “unjust and inconsistent,” arguing that both animals required urgent care and protection. The claim has further fuelled public frustration over what many view as selective or insufficient enforcement by the authorities.

In a separate case reported by Vuċi għall-Annimali, Animal Welfare Directorate officials responded to a call concerning a private residence in Triq il-Baċir Ġdid, Paola, where approximately 120 animals were being kept in inadequate conditions.

During the inspection, veterinarians discovered that the animals – including seven cats, nineteen rabbits, seventeen chickens, seventeen gerbils, and around sixty birds of various species – were confined in a courtyard and a small room not suitable for housing animals. The animals were reportedly in a poor state of health and distress.

Animal Welfare officers took immediate action, rescuing all the animals on-site and transporting them by ambulance for care and assessment. Authorities confirmed that investigations into the case are still ongoing.

These incidents have reignited public debate over animal welfare enforcement in Malta, with growing calls for stronger coordination between the police and the Animal Welfare Directorate to ensure timely action against abuse.