The Maltese Fireworks Association has defended a festa fireworks display in Mosta that caused horses to panic, placing responsibility on the animals’ owner rather than the event organizers. Despite a video showing horses scattering amid fireworks, the association’s president, Godfrey Farrugia, emphasized that extensive safety measures were taken, including shielding animals, deploying extra firefighting resources, and notifying the horse owner well in advance with a schedule of firework times. Farrugia also noted that fireworks have been launched in the area since 1997 and cited the Animal Welfare Act, which holds owners accountable for their animals’ well-being.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the legality of the stables where the horses were kept, which have been deemed illegal and subject to an enforcement notice since 2011. Animal advocate Fabio Spiteri highlighted the risks of the fireworks display, warning it could ignite fields and harm animals, and called on Culture Minister Owen Bonnici to review the situation. The controversy underscores tensions between traditional festa celebrations and animal welfare considerations in Malta.