I have read with interest Paul Borg’s letter (September 24), and especially admired the photo shown of the horses being given water, which is a general practice in most civilised countries.

In such countries horses are also offered food in a nosebag and sponged down periodically; this is especially necessary in hot climate countries such as ours.

Animal Rights Group and Coalition have been working for these necessities to become law in our country and as I have been elected by NGOs to form part of the Animal Welfare Council, I made this proposal. Unfortunately there was no agreement that it should be a law, but only a “recommendation”.

The project for shelters and water points that were to be set up in various locations and are necessary to offer respite for these horses between their work trips has also come to a halt.

The only shelter with water point availability is at the cruise liner terminal.

Meanwhile, till proper and strict regulations do come into force and this includes the fulfillment of the promises made by the authorities to erect these much needed shelters and water points it is obvious that the protection offered to the karozzin horses which are advertised by the authorities as a tourist attraction are a far cry from the standards required to promote Malta as an animal-loving country.