Gozo sheep saga continues - official describes 2012 slaughter

Gianni Attard listened attentively, occasionally grimacing, as court proceedings continued today following his complaint that his constitutional rights were violated when part of his herd of sheep was slaughtered by veterinary authorities in Gozo. 

The sheep were slaughtered after he failed to comply with a legal requirement to register them.

Joseph Portelli, former director for Projects and Development within the Gozo Ministry, testified that he got to know Gianni Attard when in November 2012 he was instructed to slaughter sheep at Mr Attard's farm in Gharb. 

Dr Anthony Gruppetta, head of government veterinary services, had instructed him to provide two trucks, three butchers and other workers from the carcasses disposal section of the abattoir to carry out the operation the following day which was a Saturday.  

Mr Portelli recalled how on the day, they found some 400 sheep but their owner was nowhere in sight. There had been nothing to prevent their entry and there was no need to obtain permission. 

The witness declared that although he had not seen Gianni Attard he had heard that the latter had been taken to the lock-up at the Victoria police station. 

The workmen proceeded...