Government Bans Horse-Drawn Carriages During Extreme Heat Alerts
In brief
- Horse-drawn carriages (karozzini) are now banned during extreme heat "red alerts" issued by the Met Office.
- The government announced this measure, which applies during periods of severe summer heat.
- Animal welfare activists view the ban as a minor step, stating it does not fully address their concerns about animal cruelty.
The government has announced a ban on horse-drawn carriage rides, known as karozzini, during periods of extreme summer heat. This new measure will be enforced when the Met Office issues a "red alert" warning for severe temperatures.
The decision comes after long-standing calls from animal welfare activists who have raised concerns about the welfare of horses, particularly during the hot summer months.
Newsbook reported that animal welfare activists consider this a "slight concession," noting that the measure falls short of their broader demands to minimise animal cruelty and harm to the animals.
The Maltese Herald described the announcement as a "surprise notice," highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding the use of horse-drawn carriages.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both Newsbook and The Maltese Herald reported on the government's new ban on horse-drawn carriages during extreme heat, noting the reaction from animal welfare activists.