Karozzini in protest action at lack of horse shelters

Thirty karozzini trotted through Republic Street, Valletta yesterday evening as The Alliance for Horse Shelters and the General Workers' Union protested over the lack of shelters to protect the horses from the elements.

The alliance, which incorporates 15 animal rights' associations, and Manuel Zammit on behalf of the GWU, called on the government to find a solution to this perennial concern.

Over the years tourists and locals alike have written numerous letters condemning the lack of shelters to protect the animals against the scorching sun or pouring rain, yet no solution has ever been found.

A canopy set up illegally some time ago in Palace Square, in Valletta had been removed to an area near the Mediterranean Conference Centre, also in the capital, but the karozzini owners did not want to move to the new site, Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino had said in reply to a parliamentary question last July.

He had said that a temporary solution was being sought so that the horses at Palace Square would be shielded from the sun. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority could authorise a temporary structure which would be set up for six months and not be regulated with a long-term permit, Mr Pullicino had said.

However, the alliance is protesting that nothing has happened since and has demanded that a temporary shelter be set up at Palace Square immediately.

It also called for a date to be established for discussions to start on a permanent shelter and water supply.

It said permits for permanent shelters should be issued during the six-month period of the temporary shelter, adding it would take tougher action if the situation remained at a deadlock.

Mr Zammit said he was meeting the Malta Transport Authority today to discuss the shelters and the issue of setting up horse cab stands in areas across Valletta such as next to St John's Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, City Gate and Pinto Wharf, among others.

"It is shameful that in this day and age animal rights are being set aside. Karozzini are part of Malta's heritage and should be supported," he added.

"We are fed up with discussing this never-ending issue with all the different authorities and entities and we are calling on the government to intervene so that we can reach a solution once and for all," Mr Zammit said.

There are about 60 karozzini operating in Valletta alone with a smaller number spread sparsely in other localities.