I was extremely depressed and upset to read (February 17) about the tragic death of a karrozzin horse that collapsed and died of dehydration. It is yet another horrible incident in a catalogue of macabre animal deaths that have become so frequent in Malta.

Not so long ago a cat was crucified in Mosta and a dog named Star was shot in a most appalling manner before being dumped. How many more inhumane incidents do we need to witness before Malta (ħanina, as the Arabs say) will become renowned as the slaughter island. Inspectors should make frequent visits to check on the well-being and condition of horses. It seems to me that these animals are too old and tired and most of them should be retired.

The animal rights groups in Malta are doing a great job but I urge them to increase the pressure on the authorities to introduce stiffer fines and prison sentences and, in certain cases, for licences of horse-drawn cabs to be terminated.