While in summer we all sit and sip a cold drink under the shade of an umbrella or choose to cool down with a refreshing swim and an ice-cream, some of our counterparts still have to work. They usually do so in an air-conditioned environment or in the shade and shelter and at reduced hours and so it should be.

However, this does not apply to the horses drawing our karozzini. They are working animals, and in the peak heat of summer, it is the busiest time of the year for them and their owners to make a living. This has been the subject of so many letters, but still very little has changed.

Most of us agree that a solution should be found to alleviate these creatures' suffering, but none has ever been found and implemented. This country should stop and take stock of this suffering and voice its disapproval to the relevant authorities to spur them to action.

On an island depending so much on tourism, an island that boasts high morals and values, I find it most disturbing that while the relevant authorities find no qualms about sitting in their air-conditioned offices, they drag their feet to legislate and install proper permanent shelters, water and drains for these voiceless creatures.

A Gandhi quote that I hold dear is: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way that its animals are treated."

So let us all stand up and be counted and work towards a great nation where our animals are treated as sentient beings deserving of our care and respect.