Number of Abandoned Horses Increases
Online, January 17, 2014 (Newswire.com) - The number of horses abandoned throughout the UK has increased. Experts believe the problem is down to the recession, the horse meat scandal and the decreasing value of the animals.
The RSPCA has warned that more horses may be abandoned during the winter months as owners struggle to pay for food and stable them.
The charity estimates that 7000 horses are already at risk in England and Wales, as over-breeding has caused a significant drop in their value.
The Welsh government is trying to tackle the issue and is introducing a Control of Horses (Wales) Bill which is currently going through their Assembly, known as The Senedd.
The legislation is aimed at tackling illegal horse grazing, or fly-grazing as it is known.
The Welsh government has said it plans to "fast track" the bill through the Senedd so local authorities have the powers as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, a landowner's organisation has called for greater powers to tackle abandoned horses. When people abandon their animals on others land it is known as fly-grazing. Members of The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) want it to be made a criminal activity rather than treated as civil trespass.
The cost of removing the abandoned horse often falls onto the landowner. The CLA argues this is unfair as the animal has been dumped on their land.
Cheval Liberte (UK) Ltd, an equestrian products and internal stables company based in North Wales believe people should take responsibility when looking after their horses. They can be an expensive pet to look after and require food, exercise, a paddock with access to a field shelter at the least, or preferably permanent timber stables.
The firm is urging horse owners to act responsibly.
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