Animal rights activists present MPs with petitions for horse shelters
The lack of aerated shelters and water points for karrozzini is not only cruel and abusive, but also makes horses dangerous as they are prone to bolting or collapsing, says Animal Rights Group.
On Monday afternoon, the group handed out petitions bearing over 7,800 signatures urging authorities to set up aerated shelters together with water points and drain facilities for karrozzin horses.
The petition was handed out as the MPs were heading into Parliament for the recommencement of the parliamentary sessions following the Easter ‘break’.
In the petition, the group says the issue ”is now seriously demanding attention from our Honorable Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi and all members of parliament.”
“For years, our Karozzin horses have not been considered worthy of attention by those in Authority. Yet concern for these animals wellbeing has been more than expressed by all who cannot turn a blind eye to the sufferings of these animals.”
The petition read that this ”the scenario seen year after year, especially during our long, hot summer months. It is not only seen by local Maltese people but by tourists that have left our shores, with reports that the Maltese people are a people without a conscience when it comes to these horses' wellbeing.”
“We collected signed petitions from Maltese citizens and disgruntled tourists who want this situation altered before the coming summer: over 5,000 signatures asking the Authorities to put in place the necessary aerated shelters together with water points and drain facilities,” the group said.
“These signatures have only been collected within a two month framework and is in itself a declaration that this situation has nothing to do with the people but everything to do with the politicians who keep on delaying the need to address this issue.”
The group also drew attention to Crucifix Hill. “This steep hill is still on the route plan approved by TM but not by any animal conscience person. Even the cab owners have expressed their concern at having to force their animals to go up this extremely steep hill, while having passengers aboard.”
“It has not been long since a tragedy occurred on that very hill. Must more tragedies occur before a rerouting system be applied?”
The group pointed out that WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) have written to all entities concerned stating that Malta had best conform to EU standards in this sector and emphasizing the urgent need for aerated shelters and water points to be put in place before summer.
“TAWS (Transport and animal Welfare Studies) two equine specialists have visited Malta twice (last visit being in August 2010) and published their reports stating that they found different levels of dehydration in these horses - which means that, when a horse lacks water, their alertness is hampered; the horse cannot be easily controlled and can bolt or collapse - and if the facilities are not put in place to stop dehydration, apart from the humane aspect, the horse can well be a danger to the public!” the group warned.
