Another summer is here. The heat is on. Will the relevant authorities please take notice? ... And Action!

While we all sit and sip a cold refreshing drink under the shade of an umbrella or choose to cool down with a refreshing swim and an ice-cream, some of our counterparts still have to work. They usually do so in an air-conditioned environment or in the shade and shelter and at reduced hours and so it should be. However not so applies to our popular ‘Karozzini’ horses (horse-drawn cabs). They are working animals, and in the peak heat of summer, it is the busiest time of the year for them and their owners to make a living. This has been the subject of so many writings but still very little has changed.

Most of us agree that these creatures of burden are sentient creatures and a solution should be found to alleviate their suffering, but no permanent solution has to date ever been found and implemented. It is high time that this country of ours stops and takes stock of this suffering and voices its disapproval to the relevant authorities to spur them to action. On an island that makes a living out of tourism as one of the main pillars of its industries, an island that boosts about its high morals and values, I find it most disturbing that while the relevant public funded authorities find no qualms about sitting in their air-conditioned offices; they drag their feet to legislate and install proper permanent shelters, water and drains for these voiceless creatures.

Gandhi’s quote that I hold dear to heart is;

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way that its animals are treated.”

So let us all stand up and be counted and work towards a great nation where our animals are treated as sentient beings deserving of our care and respect.

Action for animals please!

Rita Brincat

SPCA Education Officer