Animal Rights Group are most concerned that tonight at 6.30pm there will be 50 horse races at Saqqajja Hill to start with a big bang the Mnarja festivities,

Further races will follow on Mnarja.

For years as NGOs we have voiced our concerns on these races which cause nothing but unnecessary stress and are generally not monitored by Animal Welfare Officers or with the presence of a veterinarian  To begin with these races used to take place during the day, under the scorching sun.    Now through pressure of NGOs the time was moved to a later hour, but we had information yesterday that these races will now take place on Two separate dates.

We have contacted the Director of Animal Welfare who is trying to arrange that two officers be present tonight, although these officers are also on call for emergency cases in the rest of the island!  

These races are known for the merciless treatment these horses receive when being forced to be driven uphill to win a race.  It is for this reason that the NGOs strongly feel that this awful tradition should be stopped.

Regarding the animals at Marsascala Park we are very pleased that these animals are going to be moved to better quarters, and that the rabbit section at Ta’ Qali Petting Farm will also be temporarily closed for the summer months.  

Animal Rights Group have made their concerns known on both these sectors to parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes, together with other concerns that are being  looked into.

Myriam Kirmond

Chairperson

Animal Rights Group