Year after year, cab horses are seen taking passengers, mostly foreigners, on a guided tour of various locations, or simply used by locals who wish to experience this traditional means of transport. These horses silently plod along the roads, just doing what is expected of them. Despite this, their welfare is not really being taken into consideration. During the hot summer months they do not have shade protection from the sun at the horse cab stands, instead they have to stand in the scorching sun until their next fare, meaning a whole day of suffering. Worse still, these horses are often seen with froth around their muzzle due to their not being given enough water to drink.

It saddens me to think that the government pays little attention to the people and their requests for better animal welfare when thousands have signed the petition asking for shelters and water points for these working animals, which the Authorities themselves consider as “tourist attraction”. Yet no prompt; permanent actions have been taken, although the Authorities have committed themselves to providing these necessities. The only shelter is just outside the Valletta waterfront near the cruise liner terminal, and it is also temporary. I do hope that something is done as quickly as possible because by ignoring the needs of these beautiful animals we are simply showing the world that animal welfare in our country is sadly lacking.

I believe that the new animal welfare laws also include regulations to be followed by horse owners. This is indeed very welcome. Law enforcement is necessary if any of these owners are seen to abuse their animals and proper justice must be meted out.

Francesca Saliba

RABAT