Updated: 17:00
Police have confirmed that a report was filed regarding the alleged sighting of a large black feline, described as a jaguar or black panther, in the Cottonera area.
Social media posts in recent hours claimed the animal was seen near the American University of Malta, with one person alleging they encountered it on a rooftop after hearing noises, and another claiming a street sighting near a café.
Initial enquiries indicated no report had been made. However, following further checks, police confirmed that a report had been lodged two days ago concerning a sighting at a residence in Triq Dom Mintoff, Bormla.
Officers conducted searches in the area, but no animal was found. Police also confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Earlier:
“Panther on the roof?” social media claims big cat sighting in Bormla sparks fear — no official confirmation
An unverified social media report claiming that a large black feline — described as a panther or jaguar — was seen on a rooftop in Bormla has sparked concern online.
The account, shared on Facebook, alleges that a foreign resident living near the American University of Malta heard noises on her roof on Wednesday evening. When she went upstairs, she reportedly encountered the animal, which then jumped several storeys onto the street below. Café workers in the area were also said to have witnessed the sighting. The woman later filed a report at the Cospicua police station, according to the post. However, no official police statement or media confirmation has been issued so far.
The report has renewed discussion around exotic animal enforcement in Malta. In recent months, other cases have raised welfare concerns, including a suspected case of animal cruelty in a derelict building in Qawra where distressed deer were discovered in poor conditions.
Another case involved dangerous wild animals, where four lions and a panther had been found abandoned in a farm in Naxxar.
The claim circulated widely on social media, alongside renewed criticism from animal welfare activists over enforcement related to exotic animal ownership.
Separate concerns were also raised by Momentum, which alleged a chimpanzee is being kept in rooftop cage conditions in Swieqi, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and inspection of exotic animal licences.
Animal rights NGO Vuċi għall‑Annimali reiterated concerns about past cases involving big cats, while Shadow Minister for Animal Welfare Janice Chetcuti also weighed in.
In a Facebook post, Chetcuti wrote:
“Chimpanzee on a roof???? This beautiful animal belongs with others of its species, free in its natural environment. Everyone knows about this situation — why has no action been taken yet? The same as the lions found last year — what happened in that regard?
Authorities have not confirmed any big cat sightings linked to the latest claims.
News Editor
Journalist and Newscaster
Leave a Reply