SECOND CHANCE HORSE RESCUE REACHES BREAKING POINT AFTER 11 MONTHS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY AND RUNNING WATER

Second Chance Horse Rescue says it has reached breaking point after operating for almost 11 months without electricity and a reliable running water supply at its Malta sanctuary.

The organisation currently cares for around 50 horses, including elderly, injured and recovering animals. During winter, the number reached 65, with volunteers carrying out evening care in darkness after around 5pm.

The lack of electricity is particularly difficult during Malta’s hot summer. Horses can spend hours sweating inside their stables, while the sanctuary cannot even connect a basic fan to provide ventilation. Electricity is also unavailable for storing medication in a fridge and operating rehabilitation equipment.

The charity says the situation has also affected veterinary care, with veterinarians sometimes unable to use X-ray and other diagnostic equipment. During nighttime emergencies, vets have reportedly had to treat large horses using little more than headlamps.

A lack of reliable running water is creating further difficulties, particularly with horses requiring constant drinking water, cooling, cleaning and hygiene.

Second Chance Horse Rescue says it has repeatedly contacted the relevant authorities and received assurances that electricity and water would be provided, but almost a year later, the situation remains unresolved.

The organisation is now appealing for urgent assistance from authorities, businesses, contractors and members of the public.

“We are exhausted,” the charity said, stressing that volunteers can continue caring for the horses, but cannot replace basic infrastructure.

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