[attach id=246606 size="medium"]The shelter for karrozzini horses in Marsamxett Road, Valletta, was built without a permit. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi[/attach]
The shelter for karrozzini horses in Valletta will “definitely be replaced” if it has to be pulled down, Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights Roderick Galdes pledged yesterday.
The Environment Planning Commission last week turned down Transport Malta’s request to sanction the shelters, underground cesspits and drainage pipes in Marsamxett Road, opposite the House of Catalunya, which were built without a permit.
The commission had said that the “proposed development would have an adverse impact on an important archaeological site or area”.
Mr Galdes has requested an update about the €300,000 project, which was embarked upon by the former Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs last year to build shelters in Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s.
He will also be appointing a new Animal Welfare Council board that will be working on the matter.
It’s a matter of urgency
“This is a problem which has been dragging on for a number of years – and we need to bring an end to it,” he said
When contacted, former minister George Pullicino said the reason given by the commission for turning down the application to sanction the horse shelter was contradictory to the direction given by Mepa officials back in 2012, before the project was set in motion.
The exact location of the shelter had been identified by Mepa officials, and the green light was given as there was no risk of any “adverse impact on an important archaeological site”.
Mr Pullicino added that no objection letter had been filed from the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage or any other relevant body to oppose the application. The only objection letters filed concerned parking space reduction.
In November 2011, Mepa had issued a Development Notification Order with regard to the edification of the horse shelter.
“It is therefore inconceivable to fathom that what was acceptable through a DNO process has suddenly become unacceptable for a full development permit,” he said.
Notwithstanding the several meetings and full cooperation, the full development permit was not issued in time before the start of the hot summer period, prompt-ing the authorities to go ahead with the structure in the best interests of the animals.
“In light of the above, the authorities had enough ground to assume that this application would be approved and it was only an issue of formality. Never did they expect this shelter to be refused.”
Animal Rights Group chairperson Myriam Kirmond found it odd that the authorities had built the shelter without obtaining a permit.
“If they’ll be pulling it down, what will they be doing with the cesspit that collects the horses’ urine? It cost a lot of money.”
She explained the shelter in question fits a maximum of two horses attached to their cabs, although they cannot comfortably move backwards and forwards as it is relatively small. It also has no water source.
Since 2009, she had attended a number of meetings with Transport Malta, General Workers’ Union and the Coachmen Committee and it was established that four shelters should be erected in Valletta.
So far, only two have been constructed: the one in Marsamxett Road and the one next to the Valletta Waterfront, which provides shade for 11 horses.
However, no shelters have been built in Sliema or St Julian’s.
In 2005, a horse shelter was built in the ring road next to the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
“Some people called it an eyesore. However, I ask them: what’s the worst eyesore? Is it the structure or the sight of animals sweltering in the blistering heat?” Ms Kirmond added that Malta was garnering a bad reputation among tourists, and upsetting local animal lovers, who were appalled at the state some of the horses were kept in. Shelter and water points were crucial.
Ms Kirmond also stressed that greater enforcement was needed with respect to unethical cab drivers.
“In the election manifesto, the Labour Party had promised that shelters for karrozzini horses will be built. We are banking on the Prime Minister’s word. It’s a matter of urgency.”