Petition addressed to:

The Government of Malta

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights

The Animal Welfare Directorate

The Malta Tourism Authority

Introduction;

We call on the Maltese Government to permanently phase out the use of horse-drawn carriages (“karrozzini”) for tourist transportation in Malta.

What was once considered a tradition should not continue when it depends on the exploitation of animals. Malta’s tourism can evolve towards modern solutions that respect animal welfare while creating new opportunities for the people currently working in this sector.

Why Change Is Needed:

The horses used for horse-drawn carriages are sentient beings with physical and emotional needs. Many have already experienced demanding years, including involvement in the horse racing industry, and deserve a future based on rest, care and protection.

Using horses to pull heavy carriages through busy streets exposes them to traffic, noise, physical strain and stressful conditions. A tradition should never depend on animal suffering.

A Better Future for Carriage Drivers:

This campaign is not against carriage drivers. We recognise that people’s livelihoods are connected to this industry, and we believe they should be supported through a fair transition.

Replacing horse-drawn carriages with modern electric tourist vehicles, such as electric tuk-tuks, would allow current operators to continue working while moving towards a more sustainable and animal-friendly tourism model.

These alternatives already exist in places such as Gozo and demonstrate that tourism can continue successfully without using animals as transport.

A transition plan can protect both people’s employment and animal welfare.

A Peaceful Retirement for Horses:

These horses have spent years working for people, and they deserve the chance to spend the rest of their lives in peace and dignity.

We believe every retired carriage horse should receive proper care and be placed in suitable retirement facilities or sanctuaries, in Malta or abroad if necessary, where they can live free from stress, exploitation and forced labour.

After years of service, these animals deserve the opportunity to finally rest and experience a life based on care and protection.

Our Request

We ask the Maltese Government to:

1. Permanently phase out horse-drawn tourist carriages in Malta.

2. Create a transition programme to support carriage drivers in moving towards alternative electric tourism transport.

3. Establish a retirement and protection programme for all horses currently used in the carriage industry.

Malta has the opportunity to become a leader in ethical and responsible tourism, showing that progress can protect both people and animals.

Sign this petition to give carriage horses the peaceful future they deserve and support a fair future for carriage drivers.