I have been a regular visitor to Malta for many many years and have always found that the horses based in Valletta were badly treated. This year, when visiting, the temperatures seemed to be hotter than usual for June and I found on visiting the cruise terminal that the horses were covered in flies, had no water, and left in no shade during the hottest part of the day. This can’t be right.

The Maltese people are caring people, why do they treat their working horses the why they do? Surely the government of Malta should be fining the owners for not supplying the horses with basic needs? How would they like to be without water in the blazing sun? I hope when I return, I will find the owners have been forced to take responsibility for their animals.

Tourists from the cruise ships should boycott rides in the carriages until something is done about the horses. Maybe then with their income in doubt they might just have consciences.

Editorial note: A horse shelter at the cruise liner terminal is now in place.