My husband and I visited your island earlier this year. We went around various locations of interest and we discovered we like the Maltese people very much, and Malta itself of course.

However, we were appalled by the working conditions of the poor cab horses that were taking the tourists round the island. These poor creatures had no shade facilities or water troughs from which to drink and refresh themselves after their hard labours. The horses were stood with bowed heads, visibly sweating in the sun, till once again they were away, this time carrying a load of tourists to view places of interest AND pulling a full load up and down hills only to return and stand in the searing hot sun again! This is downright cruel.

We found the whole scenario very upsetting, so such so that it made us feel physically sick to see the conditions in which these poor animals are forced to work. We noted that lots of other tourists felt the same way because they did not take these cab rides.

We have since been watching if any improvements for these animals have taken place. It seems that the ministry concerned has committed itself to building the necessary shelters and provide water supply in all areas where these cab owners operate... yet, so far, only one shelter has been built which offers shade for a minimal number (10 only!) of these working animals. We cannot fathom why the slow pace in dealing with this animal welfare problem. Is it lack of compassion from the Maltese authorities’ side?

Working horses are, unfortunately, visible in many hot countries but their authorities understand the need for these animals’ basic needs and provide them without hesitation. Malta should do the same if it wants to remain being considered as an island worth visiting and we are certainly reluctant to return to Malta until the changes are made.

We are now also spreading the word among our friends in the UK, Germany, France, Australia and Canada, because we want to draw attention to the plight of these poor horses in Malta.

I suspect the other tourists who chose not to take cab rides are doing the same thing − don’t you think this is very bad publicity for Malta?

John and Linda Day

MONTREDON DES CORBIERES

FRANCE