THE manager of a Bromyard-based horse charity says he fears that the equine community could reach breaking point this winter.

Philip York, of Bransby Home of Rest for Horses, fears dozens more indiscriminate owners will resort to fly grazing – where horses are illegally left on public and private land – and supports the British Horse Society, which is calling for fly grazing to be made a criminal offence.

“I am very concerned that there will be major problems this winter,” said Mr York.

“I am particularly worried about the problem of fly grazing as owners abandon their horses and ponies and just dump them on other people’s land.

This is in part because of rising costs – including the high cost of hay this winter, vet costs and hoof care – and the recession.

“The other reason is that there are simply too many horses being bred and sold very cheaply at sales. These ponies are often semi feral and to prepare them for riding is a specialised task.

“You can buy such an animal for £5, which opens up the market to everyone.”

Mr York revealed that it costs £2 million a year to run the horse rescue centre, which has another branch in Lincolnshire. Since January it has taken in 120 animals.

Mark Weston, director of access, safety and welfare for the British Horse Society, said that since September 1, squatting in a residential property has become a criminal matter. A home owner can simply complain to the police who, if satisfied the claim is genuine, can take action and arrest the squatter. The maximum penalty for which is a £5,000 fine. “Landowners are in an impossible position if a horse owner refuses to move a horse or does not come forward,” said Mr Weston.

“They need legislation to protect and assist them with this problem. At present it can be extremely expensive and upsetting for landowners to secure the removal of such horses from their land.”

Lee Hackett, senior executive welfare for the British Horse Society, said: “The number of horses being abandoned has increased in the recession as people struggle to feed their pets.

“The problem is bad in Wales and around the M25 corridor. The Government should introduce criminal legislation targeting fly grazing and punish offenders with fines and seizure of horses. We want it to tackle irresponsible ownership and give more assistance to local authorities, including provision of places to keep horses on a temporary basis.”

 

PICTURE CAPTION: SUCCESS STORY:
Imp was one of five horses rescued in 2007 in a very poor condition (first picture).
Today, with the help of Bransby Home of Rest for Horses, Imp is in a carefully chosen foster home where he can fulfil his potential as a dressage horse (second picture).