[WATCH] Montekristo incidents: Charles Polidano detained overnight

Animal welfare 'complicating enforcement' against Montekristo

Construction magnate Charles Polidano was detained by the police last night over the lioness attack at his animal park in Hal Farrug.

Polidano, who is already facing court action over alleged infringements at the zoo and an investigation into a separate animal attack, was interrogated by the police.

The unlicensed zoo has been closed since the November attack and authorities have been carrying out inspections on a regular basis to ensure that the zoo remained close. The last inspections were on Wednesday March 30 and Friday April 1.

However, the animal park at the Montekristo estate was reopened again on Sunday – presumably with the owners taking advantage of a hunting fair held at the Montekristo Estate’s grounds.

Condemning the “unacceptable case”, the government has ordered an inquiry and has insisted that the Montekristo owners should stop thinking that they are above the law.

At Auberge de Castille last night, parliamentary secretary for planning Deborah Schembri, Police Commissioner Michael Cassar, Attorney General Peter Grech and MEPA CEO Johann Buttigieg met to discuss the matter.

Video is unavailable at this time.