Better conditions needed for Valletta horses

Compassion and upgrading can work hand in hand. We have read with interest about the Valletta Rehabilitation Project, especially the plans for Valletta's Palace Square. We are very concerned about the fact that the karrozini and horses are not included in these plans. Surely now is the opportunity to engage the services of an architect to design a proper and adequate shelter for these horses in keeping with the proposed project, "an issue which many animal organisations have been pushing for years".

Another such shelter should be located at Valletta Waterfront, where these horse-drawn karrozini stand for long hours under the scorching sun awaiting possible custom off visiting cruise liners.

Already it seems that an agreement to provide specific rubber wheels and special elasticated hoops for the horse carriages is in the pipeline - further steps in the wellbeing and upkeep of the horses is an absolute necessity. A good idea would be to provide a water supply for the horses in an effort to prevent dehydration from standing in the Maltese sun for hours without any water to drink at all. In the end, these measures would prove to be beneficial to all concerned.

Compassion for these working horses coupled with further upgrading of general conditions would be a great step towards promoting a good Maltese image.

We sincerely hope that a cordial solution will be found for all involved.