Carmel Mallia, a karozzin owner whose horse collapsed and died in Marina Street, Pieta, last summer, was taken to court today and accused of animal cruelty.

He pleaded not guilty.

Police inspector Anne Marie Micallef said that she had been called to the scene. She said that when vets examined the horse, it was found that it was so dehydrated that only dry food emerged when a pipe was inserted into the animal.

Informed sources said the police are this week also expected to arraign another two karozzini owners after they allegedly took their horses to Valletta Waterfront and tied them up there at 2 a.m. when the first cruise ship was not due until 10 a.m.