Retired racehorses illegally slaughtered to feed Malta's exotic big cats
A growing need to feed exotic big cats could be among the main reasons of illegally slaughtering of these racehorses.
Recent reports of horses being slaughtered in an unlicensed rural farm on the outskirts of Siġġiewi have also given rise to concerns that the meat could be making its way onto consumers’ plates.
However, sources in the equine sector said that, while they were certain some of the uncertified meat was being served to diners, the “major” buyers of this black market produce were believed to be the owners of big cats such as lions and tigers.