Cirkewwa pigs ‘in good health’, but not microchipped
A number of pigs which, according to an animal rights group had been “abandoned” in squalid conditions in Cirkewwa were in good health and showed no sign of disease, the Veterinary Regulation Directorate (VRD) within the Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change said.
It was acting on a statement issued by the NGO Animal Liberation Malta, which claimed on Tuesday that the pigs were destined to be slaughtered due to the fact that they were not tagged.
The directorate said it carried out an onsite inspection on August 14, whereby 14 pigs (pot belly type), of which 10 were adult females, 1 young boar, and 3 female piglets, were found.
The inspection concluded that the pigs were in good health condition and did not show any sign of transmissible disease. The pigs had access to feed and water and the body score condition of these animals confirms they were sufficiently fed, while none showing discomfort. The inspection also found that none of the pigs were microchipped, the department said.
It said the pigs were being kept in a sheltered area made up of three rooms and an uncovered outer area. An automatic drinker was found in one of the rooms and no excess of manure was present.
The VRD said that according to law, swine being kept as pets “shall be identifiable by a microchip inserted beneath the skin of the left ear by a warranted veterinarian” and “male swine shall be rendered surgically sterile through castration.”
None of these regulations were found to be in conformity. “The owner immediately rectified the situation upon VRD officials highlighted this non-conformity and no further actions will be taken,” the directorate said.
The law also states that “there may be no more than two swine on one site and no more than one swine shall be kept per person”. This requirement will become effective “within one year from the coming into force of these rules”, thus the owner can regularise his position in due time.
The VRD also pointed out that as from 5 September 2018, any individuals who do not regularise their position with this condition will be formally notified and fines amounting up to €11,500 may be imposed.
The Veterinary Regulation Directorate (VRD) urged the public to report immediately at veterinaryregulation.mesdc@gov.mt when irregularities are noted.