Second Chance Horse Rescue has appealed for an independent water and electricity supply after revealing it has spent 330 days operating without either utility, despite soaring temperatures. 

In a statement published on Facebook, the sanctuary said it is continuing to care for dozens of rescued horses under extreme conditions while Malta remains under an orange heat warning.

The rescue described the situation as reaching a critical point, saying the lack of electricity means horses are unable to benefit from even basic cooling measures such as electric fans after spending hours in sweltering stables.

"Water and electricity are the most basic necessities when you are responsible for the welfare of this many horses," the sanctuary said, questioning why the essential services have still not been connected despite its willingness to pay for both.

The organisation stressed that it is not requesting financial assistance or free utilities, but simply access to the infrastructure needed to operate safely.

"Our sanctuary is ready to pay its own electricity and water bills. All we are asking for is to actually be given a supply," it said.

The appeal also highlighted the conditions faced by volunteers, who continue to care for the animals despite the intense heat. Without electricity, volunteers cannot refrigerate drinking water or use fans while working, and must manually carry buckets of water to every horse throughout the day.

The sanctuary said volunteers cannot simply suspend operations during the hottest parts of the day because the animals depend on continuous care.

"These people are giving their time completely voluntarily, yet they are expected to endure these conditions just to keep our sanctuary going," the statement said.

Second Chance Horse Rescue questioned what administrative or logistical obstacles continue to prevent the connection of water and electricity, asking the relevant authorities how much longer the sanctuary will be expected to operate without the basic services.

The organisation warned that the ongoing lack of utilities is affecting both animal welfare and volunteer wellbeing, particularly as high temperatures continue across the Maltese Islands.

Concluding its appeal, the sanctuary said the situation has been reduced to fighting for the most basic necessities.

"A fan. A cold bottle of water. That is how basic the things we are fighting for have become," it said.