Flygrazing Horse Owner Issued Warning by Newark Public Protection Team

A Community Protection Notice warning has been issued on a horse-owner who allowed his animals to graze on land without permission.

Three horses were left at Quarry Farm, off Bowbridge Road, Newark without adequate water supplies during the recent hot weather, prompting a member of the public to alert Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Public Protection team.

Officers tracked down the owner who was advised regarding the legal situation on fly-grazing and issued with the warning. He was also given a copy of a council-produced DVD which sets out the laws and responsibilities around horse ownership and offers advice from vets on the suitable conditions for keeping horses and how to stay safe and legal.

Council public protection business manager Alan Batty said: “We have a duty to protect people from fly-grazing which, irrespective of whether it takes place on private land, poses dangers to the public.  Not only is there an important animal welfare issue here, fly-grazing is a costly and dangerous nuisance which uses up valuable council resources.

“We have spoken to the owners of the land who advise us that they do not give permission for anyone to place horses on their land. We initially issue a warning notice to give people the opportunity to change their behaviour. Should they choose not to heed the warnings given, we will examine the next legal steps.”  

Fly-grazed horses are often tethered for hours in inappropriate locations and left in a distressed state without shelter, water and sufficient food, often on land that is totally inadequate for a horse such as highway verges, playing fields and parks. 

The Control of Horses Act 2015 gives the landowner or local authorities the power to detain a horse for up to 96 hours. If the horse is either unclaimed or its owner refuses to comply, ownership of the horse will be transferred to the individual or authority that detained the animal, and arrangements will be made to rehome it.

Prior to the introduction of the Control of Horses Act, it was estimated that on average between 2,500 and 3,000 horses were fly-grazed in England and Wales.

If a member of the public discovers a fly-grazed horse, they are encouraged to contact the most appropriate authority as shown below:

• Loose horse on a road: contact the police.
• Horse on district council owned land such as parks and playing fields: contact Newark and Sherwood District Council on 01636 650000.
• Horse on private land: contact the landowner or if unsure contact Newark and Sherwood District Council on 01636 650000 for more information.
• Horse at the side of a road: contact Nottinghamshire County Council Highways department on 0300 500 80 80.

 The video can be viewed on the Newark and Sherwood District Council Website: www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/animalwelfare/flygrazing/