Horse shelters: Minister 'has changed his tune'

The Animal Rights Coalition said today that Transport Minister Austin Gatt had changed his tune about the building and maintenance of shelters for karozzini horses.

Whereas, on August 27, Dr Gatt wrote to the coalition that Transport Malta was all for the creation of shelters "and is willing to py for them itself," last week his ministry placed responsibility for the building and maintenance of the shelters on the operators.

The coalition, which represents 21 animal welfare organisations, said it never thought there would be an issue on the creation of shelters for these working animals, due to the fact that Minister Gatt had committed himself to building and paying for these structures.

"As in all democratic countries, we vote to elect ministers. These are the people we put our full trust in and therefore when their commitment is given we believe that they will stand by their word," the coalition said.

It explained that in his letter on August 27, the minister said that: "I can assure you that The Malta Transport Authority is all for the creation of shelters and is willing to pay for them itself, provided that there is space for them and that they are used by the cab owners"

On November 12, a meeting took place in Malta between two equine specialists from TAWS (The World Association for transport Animal Welfare and Studies), Animal Rights Group representatives, officials from the ministry and an Animal Welfare Officer.

The ministry representative echoed the minister's words. "Nothing was adhered to and we were informed that the Ministry of Transport has changed its tune, now stating that it is the responsibility of the karozzini owners to build and pay for the necessary shelters," the coalition said.

It said it has written to Dr Gatt reminding him of his commitment.