My husband and I visited Malta earlier this year. We went around various locations of interest and we liked the Maltese people and Malta itself, of course.

However, we were appalled by the working conditions of the poor cab horses that were taking tourists around the island.

These poor creatures had no shade facilities or water troughs from which to drink and refresh themselves from their hard labours.

The horses were stood with bowed heads, visibly sweating in the sun, until once again they were away, this time carrying a load of tourists to view places of interest. After pulling a full load of tourists up and down hills they returned only to stand in the searing hot sun again. This is downright cruel.

We found the whole scenario very upsetting to the extent it made us feel physically sick. We noted lots of other tourists felt the same way because they did not take these cab rides.

We have since been watching to see if conditions for these animals have improved. It seems that the ministry concerned has committed itself to building the necessary shelters and water supply in all areas where these cab owners operate. Yet, so far, only one shelter has been built which offers shade for a minimal number of these working animals.

We cannot fathom why the slow pace in dealing with this animal welfare problem. Is it lack of compassion from the Maltese authorities?

Working horses are, unfortunately, visible in many hot countries but their authorities understand the need for these animals’ basic needs and supply them without hesitation. Malta should do the same if it wants to remain considered an island worth visiting and we are certainly reluctant to return to Malta until the changes are made.

We are now also spreading the word among our friends in UK, Germany, France, Australia and Canada, because we want to draw attention to the plight of these poor horses in Malta.

I suspect the other tourists who chose not to take cab rides are doing the same thing. This is very bad publicity for Malta, don’t you think?