Horse-drawn cab owners fined Lm190

Nineteen horse-drawn cab owners were yesterday fined Lm10 each for failing to fix an apron under their horse's belly. The fine was imposed by the Valletta local council tribunal.

The owners are refusing to fit the apron as they argue it can be harmful to their animals.

At yesterday's tribunal sitting, the owners were represented by Manwel Micallef, secretary of the General Workers' Union's ports and transport workers' section, who asked for the case to be put off as talks on the matter continued.

But the prosecution said the talks had stopped and that it had been directed to proceed with the case.

Mr Micallef said an appeal would be lodged.

Valletta mayor Paul Borg Olivier said a report by the government's veterinary services division showed the aprons were not detrimental to horses.

He said that if cab owners wanted to provide a good alternative apron, this would be considered.

The apron costs about Lm20 but the Valletta local council had decided to subsidise half the cost.

Those contravening the law are liable to a fine of Lm10 the first time round and Lm20 for each repeated offence.

Another 20 cab drivers are expected to be charged on August 5.

There are about 80 cab drivers in all and about 400 pending offence notices as many have been booked repeatedly.