Cannot Act Cool in the Sun

Where?? in the Sun?

Yet another summer is with us! And while we are being told to act cool in the sun, there are some other sentient beings that, despite suffering the same heat, are placed on the roads with harnesses, reins and carriages waiting for custom in the form of tourists wanting to go round using the horse-driven cabs.

This issue has been with us since time immemorial. NGOs and the general public asking for adequate shelters for the horses have been ignored by authorities. Horse owners have been supporting the NGOs campaigning for these shelters as they want their bread-winning animal to be in top-notch condition to give them the best service.

The Animal Rights Group has been at the forefront of this battle trying to liaise between the Ministry responsible and the cab-drivers representatives. It has also been responsible for bringing to Malta two transport animal experts from abroad to see for themselves the conditions and make recommendations. Hats off to this NGO for spending so much time and resources trying to find a just solution for all.

While we are enjoying our summer months refreshing in the sea or relaxing in our houses let’s reflect upon this situation which has been with us for a very long time. The University Student Organisation Greenhouse wants to add its voice to all those working to find a solution to this problem and urge the competent authorities to solve this issue once and for all especially by providing aerated shelters to the horses.

Letter published on the 23rd July 2010 issue of the Malta Independent.