Irish Contractor Fined €20,000 for Failing to Register Exotic Cubs

An Irish building contractor, Martin Farrugia, has been fined €20,000 by the courts for failing to properly register eleven exotic animal cubs at his premises in Siġġiewi and Buskett, Malta. The cubs, which included lions, pumas, and leopards, were discovered during an inspection in 2019.

Under Maltese law, owners of exotic animals are required to inform authorities of any births within one week and register the newborns within four weeks, paying a registration fee of €1,000 per cub. Despite originally having a permit to keep exotic animals, Farrugia failed to register the eleven cubs born at his facilities.

The court took into account the nature of the charges, the fact that the situation was later rectified, and the maximum punishment of a €55,000 fine or three years' imprisonment that was applicable at the time of the offenses. The court decided to impose a €20,000 fine on Farrugia for the violations.

Why this matters: The case highlights the importance of proper registration and oversight of exotic animals kept in captivity. Strict regulations are in place to ensure the welfare of the animals and public safety. Failure to comply with these laws can result in significant fines and legal consequences for owners.

In a separate case, a couple in Ireland who have been keeping and breeding exotic pets, including reptiles and alligators, for 20 years in a garage they claim to have purchased are involved in a legal dispute with the development company owners over the ownership of the property. The High Court has granted a temporary injunction against the defendants and warned of serious consequences for any breaches.

A spokesperson for the court stated, "The €20,000 fine imposed on Mr. Farrugia serves as a clear message that non-compliance with exotic animal registration laws will not be tolerated. It is critical for the well-being of the animals and the safety of the public that all owners adhere to the regulations set forth by the authorities."

Key Takeaways

• Irish contractor fined €20K for failing to register 11 exotic animal cubs.
• Maltese law requires exotic animal owners to register newborns within 4 weeks.
• Court considered nature of charges, rectification, and max. penalty of €55K/3 years.
• Separate case: Couple in Ireland dispute ownership of property housing exotic pets.
• Fine serves as warning that non-compliance with exotic animal laws won't be tolerated.