Neighbours up in arms over illegal animal sanctuary

A man accused of turning his home into an illegal animal sanctuary for over 25 cats and 12 dogs was this morning summoned to court, after his neighbours lodged a criminal complaint over the “unbearable and overwhelming odour, his constant swearing as well as the nuisance created.”

Agostino Borg – who in already facing criminal charges of turning his home into an animal sanctuary, breaching public peace, littering the street and keeping his dogs and cats in a state that cause nuisance to his neighbours – was summoned to court today after his neighbours filed a criminal complaint, requesting that the court orders the removal of Borg’s “illegal animal sanctuary.”

In a criminal complaint filed by lawyer Joe Mifsud, who is appearing as parte civile for the 16 residents of St Francis Street, Marsa, are requesting that the court reprimands the accused for turning his home into an illegal animal sanctuary and for creating a nuisance to them, to such an extent that they could no longer open their windows due to the smell.

Several neighbours today testified in court, telling the court of their “unbearable daily experience” they have to face as a result of Borg’s dogs and cats, as well his “constant swearing.”

But while being bombarded by several complaints of the odour, Ivan Silvio, a representative from the sanitation department, told the court that during the last inspection he had conducted, odour levels were not described as unbearable.

“The last inspection was held on May 19, during which the area was found to be clean and conditions were found to be good. The smell was not as unbearable for the amount of animals there.”

Cross-examined by lawyer Joe Mifsud, Silvio explained that inspections were either carried out randomly or with the defendant having prior knowledge of them. Inspections always took place between 8.45 am and noon – three hours after the accused allegedly left for work.

However, as opposed to Silvio, several neighbours testified, telling the court of the overwhelming smell, the constant barking and the swearing that made life unbearable.

The case continues.

Lawyer Marion Camilleri is representing Agostino Borg while Joe Mifsud is parte civile.